A recent study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) has found that living close to spaces with trees may be better than grassy or paved (铺砌的) areas for children ‘s long-term development.
Many previous studies have argued that exposure to green spaces is associated with better memory and attention in early childhood, higher academic achievement, and fewer behavioral and emotional problems. However, this is the first study to explore whether the type of vegetation makes a difference in these positive associations.
For the study, the researchers analyzed data from over 27,500 children in the Vancouver area, who were followed from birth to five years of age (between 2000 and 2005). By the time they were five, the participant’s kindergarten teachers reported on their physical health, mental well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, communication skills, language development, and general knowledge. By looking at maps of where the children lived, the researchers were able to compare their social competence developmental outcomes to their residential aresa.
While children with the greatest exposure to vegetation ( either trees or grass ) had the highest developmental scores, those exposed mainly to paved surfaces had the lowest ones. However, the study revealed that living close to tree-filled areas in early childhood led to better developmental scores than being exposed to grass-covered environments. This may be due to the fact that tree-filled areas are better in reducing air pollution, noise and heat than more open green spaces, while also contributing to a higher degree to support restoration from mental tiredness. Grassy spaces, however, are more likely to encourage group activities, benefiting children’s social well-being, according to the research.
Although more research is needed, these findings may be useful to urban planners. “Taken together, our findings suggest that transforming paved surfaces into green spaces and, in particular, increasing the amount of trees in neighborhoods may positively affect early childhood health and development,” concluded study senior author Matilda van den Bosch at ISGlobal.
12. What does the recent study focus on?
A.How kids adapt to the environment. |
B.Whether previous studies are correct. |
C.The benefits of green spaces to children. |
D.The effect of various vegetation types on kids. |
13. What is the 3rd paragraph mainly about?
A.The research process. | B.The research subjects. |
C.The research outcomes. | D.The research application. |
14. Which of the following is the most favorable to child development?
A.Paved surfaces. | B.Open green spaces. |
C.Areas with tree cover. | D.Grass-covered areas. |
15. What does the author intend to tell us in the last paragraph?
A.A major limitation of the study. | B.A suggestion for city planers. |
C.A possible plan for tree planting. | D.An explanation of the study findings. |