There are many protected areas all over the world from invasive species. However, most of them are still vulnerable (易受伤害的) to invasion, according to a research conducted by scientists from China and the UK.
The study, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published in the journal Nature Communications. It showed how the majority of protected areas are no more than 10 kilometers away from an area with the presence of invasive species. Tim Blackburn, a co-author of the study and a professor from University College London, said that introducing invasive species is among the worst damage that humans can inflict to the natural environment.
Invasive alien species or IAS can harm an ecosystem by competing with or killing native species and destroying habitats, among many impacts. Aliens are species that are not naturally occurring in a particular area and are introduced through humans. Invasion by such species is considered as among the five worst direct drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide. Aliens establish populations at more new areas at an ever-increasing pace.
The researchers discovered that lower than ten percent of protected areas have the 894 surveyed invasive species within them, which suggests that, in general, protected areas are effectively shielded against invasion. However, all of them are still at risk from IAS, because at least one alien species was found within 100 kilometers of 99% of the surveyed protected areas’ boundaries.
The research team also discovered that protected regions that contain more invasive animal species experience a more significant influence or presence of humans, otherwise known as the human footprint index. This is caused by factors like large human populations and transport links.
In addition, protected areas that have been established more recently and are more extensive have a more significant number of IAS. The older protected areas are usually in more remote locations, which provide them with better protection from human impacts.
Dr. Li who is a famous biologist said that for now, the majority of protected areas are free from IAS. Still, it may not be true for long. He adds that those areas which are easily accessible to many people count as the most highly vulnerable.
12. Which word is closest to the underlined word “inflict” in meaning in paragraph 2?
A.Contribute. | B.Cause. | C.Practise. | D.Prevent. |
13. What can we learn from the third paragraph?
A.Alien species are dangerous to native species and their habitats. |
B.Native species are not strong enough to compete with aliens. |
C.Alien species have a much stronger appetite than native species. |
D.The number of native species increases more slowly than that of alien species. |
14. What is also closely related to the alien invasion according to the study?
A.The local weather. | B.Human activity. |
C.Regional locations. | D.Practical measures. |
15. What’s Dr. Li’s attitude towards the future of protected areas?
A.Positive. | B.Subjective. | C.Uncaring. | D.Worried. |