文字稿

德國63個自然保護區(qū)內的飛行類昆蟲數(shù)量在過去27年中減少了四分之三以上。研究人員認為這一現(xiàn)象值得警惕，因為飛蟲是自然生態(tài)系統(tǒng)中的重要組成部分。它既是植物的授粉者，也是扮演食物鏈的關鍵角色。請聽報道。

Since 1989, scientists have been monitoring flying insect populations in 63 nature reserves across Germany. The decline of some species, like butterflies, has long been suspected but this research included lesser studied insects, like wasps, flies and moths. The drop in numbers of more than three quarters over 27 years turned out to be more severe than previously thought.

The insects play a vital role in pollination and as a food source for birds. No one factor alone could explain their disappearance, but researchers said modern agriculture creates a hostile environment - a desert for insects.

While, anecdotally, in recent years, drivers have reported fewer insects being squashed on their windscreens - another signal with the decline in bugs across all landscapes, experts said.

詞匯表

monitoring 監(jiān)控，監(jiān)測，密切注視
nature reserves 自然保護區(qū)
wasps 黃蜂，胡蜂
moths 飛蛾
severe 非常嚴重的
pollination （植物的）授粉
hostile 不利的，惡劣的
anecdotally 有趣地，趣聞軼事地
squashed 壓扁，擠扁
windscreens（汽車等的）擋風玻璃
landscapes 鄉(xiāng)間，野外

測驗

請聽報道并回答下列問題。

1. True or false: The research monitored flying insects, including wasps, flies and moths.

2. According to the article, why are insects important to nature?

3. True or false: Researchers said modern agriculture creates a heaven for insects.

4. What is another signal that shows the decline in bugs?

答案

1. True or false: The research monitored flying insects, including wasps, flies and moths.
True. According to the article, the research included lesser studied insects, like wasps, flies and moths.

2. According to the article, why are insects important to nature?
Because the insects play a vital role in pollination and they are food source for birds.

3. True or false: Researchers said modern agriculture creates a heaven for insects.
False. According to the article, researchers said modern agriculture creates a hostile environment - a desert for insects.

4. What is another signal that shows the decline in bugs?
In recent years drivers have reported fewer insects being squashed on their windscreens.