文章大意:这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了海龟的危险处境,作者想拯救海龟并加入到保护美国和墨西哥海岸和海洋生态系统的变革斗士中,体会到了适者生存,小乌龟很难在恶劣的生活条件下生存。
Lying in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, the fishing village Huatulco is home to nine bays, 36 beaches and thousands of baby turtles that apparently needed me. I had three open days on my calendar, and a desire to save some turtles. And so, away I went to Huatulco with Wildcoast, a group of champions-for-change who were protecting coastal and marine ecosystem in the U. S. and Mexico.
I was taken to La Escobilla to experience Wildcoast in action. Just one hour north of Huatulco, this protected beach is where mass turtle nesting happens. This natural phenomenon lasts just four days during rainy season, hundreds of thousands of female sea turtles swinging their way ashore to lay their eggs.
Between threats of dogs, crabs, development and oil spills, the little creatures have the whole world against them. As recently as 2002, turtles hunting was not only a common practice, but an important part of the culture and diet in the Oaxaca communities. Luckily, Wildcoast rescues turtle eggs and recreates habitats by monitoring temperatures and humidity. Thanks to their efforts, the sea turtles have made a major comeback, with now over 72 million turtles being born on the beaches that Wildcoast protects.
I got to hold 50 of the tiny creatures in a bowl. Despite an average laying of 100 eggs, just one in 1, 000 baby turtles will make it to adulthood. Gazing into the bowl, I so badly wanted them to taste the sea and find shelter somewhere deep in the ocean. Finally, it was time to liberate those little creatures. Out spilled the creatures, some moving full steam ahead while others barely paddled in place. Literally, hundreds of them began to spread out across the beach.
With each set of waves, we witnessed the survival of the fittest, some pushing past the whitewash while others crashed back to shore. Their fight for life made my eyes wet. A flock of birds were ready to dive into the sea for their moving targets. “One in 1, 000.” Nature was cruel and compassionate at the same time. After 30 long minutes, the last creature made his way to the sea.
24. The baby turtles are threatened by various factors except ________.
A.the cruel hunters | B.the rapid development |
C.the extreme weather | D.the oil-polluted ocean |
25. What do the underlined words “full steam ahead” in paragraph 4 mean?
A.With slow pace and fear. | B.With all energy and enthusiasm. |
C.With full caution and curiosity. | D.With great satisfaction and responsibility. |
26. What does the author indicate by mentioning “One in 1,000” in the last paragraph?
A.One baby turtle in 1,000 can make his way to the sea. |
B.Thousands of baby turtles were crashed back to shore. |
C.The struggle of baby turtles for life touched the author. |
D.Baby turtles can hardly survive the harsh living conditions. |
27. What can we learn from the author’s experience in saving baby turtles?
A.Think twice before you leap. | B.God helps those who help themselves. |
C.Cease to struggle and you cease to live. | D.When the buying stops, the killing can too. |