1 . Ecotourism has become increasingly popular in recent years.Travelers visit natural environments funding conservation efforts or promoting local economies.In many cases, ecotourism involves close interaction with wildlife.
Now, scientists have analyzed more than 100 research studies on how ecotourism affects wild animals.They find the presence of humans changes the way animals behave, and those changes may put them at risk.Therefore, they have concluded that such trips can be harmful to the animals.
When animals interact in seemingly kind ways with humans, they may let down their guard.As animals learn to relax in the presence of humans, they may become bolder in other situations.If this transfers to their interactions with predators (捕食者), they are more likely to be injured or killed.
The presence of humans can also discourage natural predators.It creates a kind of safe place for smaller animals that may make them bolder.For example, in Grand Teton National Park, elk and pronghorns in areas with more tourists are less watchful and spend more time eating.
Interacting with people can cause great changes in the characteristics of various species over time.“If animals become accustomed to tourists, we might create unintended consequences — affecting the behavior or population of a species and influencing the species’ function in its community,” the researchers write.
Ecotourism has effects similar to those of animal domestication (驯养) and urbanization.Research has shown that domesticated silver foxes become more obedient and less fearful.Fox squirrels and birds that live in urbanized areas are slower to flee from danger.The phenomena result from evolutionary changes, but also from regular interactions with humans.
Scientists hope the new analysis will encourage more research into the interactions between people and wildlife.It is essential to develop further understanding of how various species in various situations respond to human interaction and under what conditions human exposure may place them at risk.
1. We can learn from the passage that ___________.
| A．ecotourism causes damage to the natural homes of wildlife |
| B．it is easy for eco-tourists to build up trust with wild animals |
| C．the effects brought by ecotourism may be harmful to the animals |
| D．wildlife interactions with humans strengthen their function in community |
2. What does the underlined word “bolder” in paragraph 3 probably mean?
| A．shyer | B．braver | C．wiser | D．swifter |
3. The author mentions pronghorns in paragraph 4 as an example to show that ________.
| A．wild animals become more relaxed due to evolution |
| B．animals’ reactions to humans vary from species to species |
| C．smaller animals tend to be in harmony with natural predators |
| D．the presence of humans reduces their awareness of potential danger |
4. What might be the best title for the text?
| A．Ecotourism Can Put Wild Animals at Risk |
| B．Ecotourism Has Become A Popular Trend |
| C．Wildlife’s Reactions to Human Activities |
| D．Latest Research Findings on Ecotourism |
