African savanna elephants are the largest species of elephant and the biggest animal on land. They are easily recognized by their very large ears which allow them【小题1】(give) off heat—and front legs which are noticeably longer than the back legs.

African savanna elephants are found in 23 countries and live in a variety of habitats【小题2】open and wooded grasslands to even some deserts and forests. The largest populations【小题3】(be) in Southern and Eastern African countries.

African savanna elephants always can be seen within the open areas where they live, so they are well studied【小题4】their populations are easily estimated (估算). Each family unit is【小题5】(usual) made up of around 10 females and their【小题6】(baby). Several family units often join together to form a group in【小题7】there are up to several hundred members【小题8】(lead) by a female elephant. Due to their habitat, savanna elephants are often found eating grass in a field, but they also Cat a wide variety of plants and fruits. The situation changes【小题9】(depend) on the time of year; during the【小题10】(rain) season the elephant will feed more on grass than during the dry season.

To study one of Europe’s rarest butterflies, 【小题1】 live on near-vertical slopes (几乎垂直的坡)high in the Swiss-Italian Alps, scientists went down mountainsides. Their efforts have paid off with some 【小题2】 (depend) data.

More than 100 years ago, scientists 【小题3】 (describe) the orange-and-brown Raetzer’s ringlet for the first time. But its habitat prevented them 【小题4】 (study) it in the field. That changed in 2015 when officials in northern Italy reached out to two independent insect researchers who were also rock climbers. Andrea Battisti and Matteo Gabaglio, who each had 【小题5】 (year) of sport climbing experience, realized they could go into the butterfly’s lair (巢穴) by hanging from a rope.

【小题6】 total, the biologists and their colleagues examined 10 sites in Italy and Switzerland. At two key sites, the team spotted 177 ringlets. The finding 【小题7】 (report) in the Journal of Insect Conservation in January 2021. The good news is that the butterflies appear 【小题8】 (be) much more than earlier studies showed. But they suggested that the ringlet be listed as 【小题9】 endangered species, because of climate change and other threats.

The brave climbers have gathered some “important” new data about the ringlet, says IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) ecologist Chris van Swaay. But for IUCN to take up the suggestion, he adds, it will 【小题10】 (probable) need even more hard-earned data.

Foster homes play 【小题1】 crucial role in providing a safe and nurturing environment for 【小题2】(pet) awaiting adoption. According to a report, many pet shelters and rescue organizations require foster homes to accommodate homeless pets. Unfortunately, due 【小题3】 a decline in volunteers, several pet shelters have had to shut down, 【小题4】(lead) to an increase in homeless pets. Meanwhile, more pets are being surrendered by owners 【小题5】are either too ill to care for them or unable to afford their upkeep.

【小题6】(address) this issue, the Arizona Humane Society in Phoenix 【小题7】(introduce) a convenient drive-up service up to now. Volunteers interested in fostering pets can simply send a text upon arrival, and shelter staff will promptly bring the necessary paperwork to their car, promoting the foster process. 【小题8】(current), there are 345 pets from the shelter benefiting from foster care. However, the need for pet fosters persists nationwide. If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to contact a pet shelter 【小题9】rescue organization near you. Welcoming a furry companion into your home is a 【小题10】(reward) experience, as pets bring immense joy and fulfillment to people’s lives.