Cities are diverse ecosystems. In addition to visitors from the wild, a large number of species share our urban areas. As our cities spread, we need to think about what it is like for other species to have human neighbors.

Cities are built for humans. 【小题1】 For example, most city parks are kept neat and tidy so that humans will find them beautiful. But when we cut grass or plant flowers, we destroy natural habitats.

【小题2】 When a bridge in Austin, Texas was repaired, engineers added small gaps running along the length of its bottom. This made a good home for bats, and soon the bridge was the home of thousands of bats. At first, people were afraid of the bats and tried to get rid of them. 【小题3】 The bats are a tourist attraction, and they eat lots of bugs every night.

There are also structures built with the aim of bringing wildlife into the city. The Beijing Olympic Forest Park is a good example. The park used native plants and created open, natural spaces for wildlife. The result is a zone in Beijing with over 160 species of birds. In many ways, the park is the opposite of a zoo. 【小题4】

If we learn to share our space, we can become better neighbors to the wildlife around us. 【小题5】 Our own future will be endangered too.

A shark that walks in water instead of swimming might sound like a creature straight out of science fiction. However, that is precisely how the fish -- found in the waters of Northern Australia moves across the seafloor .The unique ocean animals were discovered by a team of scientists led by Dr. Christine Dudgeon from Australia's University of Queensland during a 12 year global conservation study.

The newly-found sharks have evolved (进化) to survive in low oxygen environments, enabling them to hunt during low tides. The researchers believe their ability to use their fins (鳍) to walk affords the sharks a remarkable edge over the smaller animals they try to bunt. “While they are super hunters in their shallow habitat, the tiny sharks present no threat to people," says Dudgeon.“At less than a meter long on average, they're incredibly cute little animals that do not look like sharks at all," she adds.

A DNA analysis of skin samples from the live fish suggests that walking sharks broke away from their original population and became a distinct species about nine million years ago. Though that may appear to be a long time ago, it is relatively recent given that sharks have been around for more than 400 million years. In fact, Dudgeon and her team believe walking sharks are the youngest kind of sharks on Earth!

The researchers say that the sharks' small numbers and small habitat make them extremely vulnerable (易受伤害) to natural disasters and overfishing. They are currently on the Nature Red List, which lists species at risk. Dudgeon and her team believe sensible conservation management plans are urgently needed to protect the walking sharks and other endangered animals from further threats.

Gardening has been around for as long as humans have been growing food. Today it is known for its health benefits. Focusing attention on the tasks and details of gardening can reduce negative thoughts and feelings and make you feel better. 【小题1】 Besides, things like weeding and digging are a good exercise. If you don’t like going to the gym, gardening is an enjoyable way to help you keep fit.

You can include gardening in your life in many ways.

Decide what you want to grow. 【小题2】 Different plants need varying amounts of care. Make choices about what to grow based on how much time you have, where you live, and how much money you can invest in your plants.

【小题3】 A community garden is a shared space where people grow plants in one large area or in smaller individual plots. Search online for community gardens near you. This is also a great place to ask questions and learn from experienced gardeners.

Grow plants indoors. You don’t need to own land to start gardening. 【小题4】 All you need is a window or artificial sunlight source, potting soil, containers, and other supplies based on what plants you grow.

Not every plant will grow exactly how you want or expect. Almost every gardener will have problems growing and caring for their plants at some point. 【小题5】