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【语篇来自二十一世纪学生英文报·试题原创】

Be friends with big naughty guys

In February, animal keepers took a video of an Asian elephant family in Yunnan. In the video, two baby elephants fight for food. Later, they take a nap with their mothers. Many people saw the video online and said the elephants are so cute.

In fact, over the past 30 years, the number of wild (野生的) Asian elephants became bigger. By the end of 2021, there were 300 of them. They needed more space and food. So, they began to visit villages and found food in farmers’ fields. The elephants were happy to eat their favorite plants like corn and sugarcane (甘蔗). But this brought losses (损失) for the farmers. Sometimes, the elephants were frightened (受到惊吓的) and hurt people.

How can we get along with these cute but naughty animals?

The local government (当地政府) is thinking of some smart ways. For example, if elephants eat farmers’ plants, farmers can get some money from the government. Also, people built fences (栅栏) near villages and schools. So, the elephants cannot get very close to people.

Did you know?

There are 11 nature reserves (自然保护区) in Yunnan. Elephants often live there.

Tips to get along with elephants

√   If you see some elephants, stay at least 300 meters away from them. Also, you should leave the place quickly.

×   When you are in a place with elephants, don’t wear bright-colored clothes. Such clothes could make elephants angry.

Architects of the rainforest

People call Asian elephants “architects of the rainforest (雨林工程师)”. They play a big role in looking after the health of the environment (环境).

Help the plants grow

Asian elephants eat a lot of plants. This gives space (空间) to other plants. The plants get more water and sunshine.

Make space for animals

When a group of elephants passes by, some plants and little trees fall down. This makes a “road” for other animals.

Help to spread seeds

Elephants eat a lot of seeds (种子). These seeds go out with their poop and later grow into new plants.

Give a home for animals

Elephants leave footprints in the forest. When it rains, water fills the footprints. The prints become little ponds. Frogs and insects lay eggs (产卵) there.

根据短文内容回答问题。
1．How many wild Asian elephants were there by the end of 2021?
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2．If the elephants eat farmers’ plants, what can farmers do?
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3．Why can’t you wear bright-colored clothes where there are elephants?
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4．Where are the 11 nature reserves located?
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5．What do people call Asian elephants?
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