Polar bears are not the only species in danger from global warming, a new report has warned. The US Center for Biological Diversity (CBD)claims 16 Arctic(北极的)animals are at risk from the melting ice as well as the polar bears.The animals have become a symbol of the environmental movement, as their numbers go down with the melting ice caps.
But they are not the only ones.A new report has warned that other animals are in danger of going extinct as well.Sea ice in the Arctic fell to its lowest level after records began in 2007 and scientists predict the area could be largely ice free in summer within 10 years.
Shaye Wolf, the lead author of the report, said Arctic foxes, whales, musk oxen(麝牛), walruses(海象)and four species of seals were all in danger—as well as polar bears.
“The polar bear is the best-known victim(受害者)of rapid melting in the Arctic, but if we don’t reduce greenhouse pollution, many more creatures will follow it down the path to extinction，” she said. “Some Arctic species have already experienced widespread die-offs and population becomes less after losing key habitats and food sources; others face extreme weather events or suffer new pressures from predators(食肉动物).”
The CBD is also afraid these animals could be in danger if mining for oil goes ahead in this area.It is estimated that eight of the world’s 19 polar bear populations are becoming less as they struggle to raise young and hunt for food on ice.
【小题1】What’s the main idea of the passage?| A．Polar bears are the only species in danger from global warming. |
| B．Why all Arctic species are in danger of dying out. |
| C．We should take measures to protect Arctic animals. |
| D．Arctic foxes, whales, musk oxen, walruses and four species of seals were all in danger—as well as polar bears. |
| A．繁衍 | B．灭绝 |
| C．存在 | D．兴衰 |
| A．Nine of the world’s 19 polar bear populations are becoming less now. |
| B．Polar bears are in danger mainly because their food sources are disappearing. |
| C．If we don’t take any effective measures to protect these animals in Arctic, more and more creatures will die out in the future. |
| D．Sea ice in the Arctic fell to its lowest level before records began in 2007. |
