Everyone knows that light attracts insects. In ancient times, people questioned why winged insects buzzed around fire. An old saying describes this attraction as being, “like a moth to a flame” (飞蛾扑火). However, a recent study ends the long-believed idea that insects fly towards light because they like it. Biologists at Imperial College London have reported that insects are drawn to light because it helps with their directions when they are flying. The scientists said artificial (人造的) light actually can make some insects lose their way. Jamie Theobald, co-author of the study, said all our guesses about why insects fly toward light “might have been wrong”.
The scientists planned their research in a rainforest in Costa Rica. They put artificial lights under the canopy (林冠) and surveyed the creatures’ flying behavior. Insects usually knows their directions by the moon to fly in straight lines. However, around the artificial lights, the insects became confused and made arcs (弧) and strange patterns of flight. An entomologist said: “Natural sky light helps maintain (维持) proper flight but Artificial light can produce continuous turning around the light and trap an insect.” Artificial light badly influences an insect’s ability to find a mate, things for food, and protect itself against natural enemies.
【小题1】What is ancient people’s attitude towards “a moth to a flame”?
| A．Unconcerned. | B．Acceptable. | C．Doubtful. | D．Positive. |
【小题2】Why do the insects fly towards light according to the study?
| A．Because they want to provide help for others. |
| B．Because they want to exchange their greetings. |
| C．Because they want to look for something to eat. |
| D．Because they want to make sure their directions. |
【小题3】What was the purpose of the experiment in a rainforest in Costa Rica?
| A．To find a better way to catch insects. | B．To test a conclusion of their guesses. |
| C．To make new medicine to kill insects. | D．To stop insects from damaging the crops. |
【小题4】What is the best title for the text?
| A．An old saying connected with insects | B．An adventure carried out in rainforest |
| C．Artificial light is dangerous for insects | D．Insects fight against their natural enemies |
