Alarm over decline in flying insects 飛蟲數量銳減值得警惕

　　文字稿

　　德國63個自然保護區內的飛行類昆蟲數量在過去27年中減少了四分之三以上。研究人員認為這一現象值得警惕，因為飛蟲是自然生態係統中的重要組成部分。它既是植物的授粉者，也是扮演食物鏈的關鍵角色。請聽報道。

　　Since 1989,scientists have been monitoring flying insect populations in 63 nature reserves across Germany.The decline of some species,like butterflies,has long been suspected but this research included lesser studied insects,like wasps,flies and moths.The drop in numbers of more than three quarters over 27 years turned out to be more severe than previously thought.

　　The insects play a vital role in pollination and as a food source for birds.No one factor alone could explain their disappearance,but researchers said modern agriculture creates a hostile environment-a desert for insects.

　　While,anecdotally,in recent years,drivers have reported fewer insects being squashed on their windscreens-another signal with the decline in bugs across all landscapes,experts said.

　　詞彙表

　　monitoring監控，監測，密切注視

　　nature reserves自然保護區

　　wasps黃蜂，胡蜂

　　moths飛蛾

　　severe非常嚴重的

　　pollination（植物的）授粉

　　hostile不利的，惡劣的

　　anecdotally有趣地，趣聞軼事地

　　squashed壓扁，擠扁

　　windscreens（汽車等的）擋風玻璃

　　landscapes鄉間，野外

　　測驗

　　請聽報道並回答下列問題。

　　1.True or false:The research monitored flying insects,including wasps,flies and moths.

　　2.According to the article,why are insects important to nature?

　　3.True or false:Researchers said modern agriculture creates a heaven for insects.

　　4.What is another signal that shows the decline in bugs?

　　答案

　　1.True or false:The research monitored flying insects,including wasps,flies and moths.

　　True.According to the article,the research included lesser studied insects,like wasps,flies and moths.

　　2.According to the article,why are insects important to nature?

　　Because the insects play a vital role in pollination and they are food source for birds.

　　3.True or false:Researchers said modern agriculture creates a heaven for insects.

　　False.According to the article,researchers said modern agriculture creates a hostile environment-a desert for insects.

　　4.What is another signal that shows the decline in bugs?

　　In recent years drivers have reported fewer insects being squashed on their windscreens.