1 . Dolphins have been known to show many human-like behavioral characteristics. These include forming complex relationships to accomplish common goals, teaching one another survival skills, and “babysitting” each other’s kids. Now, some researchers at Largo, Florida have discovered another thing the intelligent animals share with humans — a love for the television!

For their research, Kelly A. Winship and Holli C, Eskelinen observed 11 bottlenose and five rough-toothed dolphins. The animals were treated to two TV shows — Planet Earth and the popular kids’ series, SpongeBob SquarePants. The researchers say the dolphins did not seem to care what was being played. They were equally attracted by both — the realistic imagery of Planet Earth and the cartoon in SpongeBob SquarePants.

Interestingly, however, the male dolphins spent more time staring at the screen than the females. They also responded more strongly to the programming by either showing aggression (indicated by head moves), or interest (shown by raising their heads or pressing their foreheads against the TV), or even blowing bubbles (indicating interest or aggression). Winship and Eskelinen, who published their findings in the journal Zoo Biology, believe the display of aggression was most likely a result of the failure to physically interact with, or manipulate, the TV.

Though there is a lot more to learn about the animals’ television preferences, the scientists believe suitable programming could be used as part of enrichment programs for dolphins unfit to be released in the wild. The researchers also think monitoring their response to different kinds of shows could provide scientists with some insight into the dolphins’ thinking process.

1. What have researchers newly discovered about dolphins?

A．They somewhat behave like humans.	B．They offer help to each other
C．They are highly intelligent.	D．They enjoy watching TV shows.

2. In which way are male and female dolphins different when watching TV?

A．The time of body moments.	B．Program preferences.
C．The strength of response.	D．Interacting methods.

3. What does the underlined word “manipulate” refer to in the third paragraph?

A．Have control over.

B．React to.

C．Catch sight of.

D．Turn on.

4. In what aspect could the research on dolphins be important to scientists?

A．Learning about their TV preference.	B．Enriching their life in the wild.
C．Monitoring their daily behaviors.	D．Studying how they think.