Homing pigeons are placed in a training program from about the time they are twenty-eight days of age. They are taught to enter the cage through a trap and to exercise above and around the loft , and gradually they are taken away for short distances in willow baskets and released. They are then expected to find their way home in the shortest possible time.
In their training flights or in actual races, the birds are taken to prearranged distant points and released to find their way back to their own lofts. Once the birds are liberated, their owners, who are standing by at the home lofts, anxiously watch the sky for the return of their entries. Since time is of the essence, the speed with which the birds can be induced to enter the loft trap may make the difference between gaining a win or a second place.
The head of a homing pigeon is comparatively small, but its brain is one quarter larger than that of the ordinary pigeon. The homing pigeon is very intelligent and will persevere to the point of stubbornness; some have been known to fly a hundred miles off course to avoid a storm.
Some homing pigeon experts claim that this bird is gifted with a form of built-in radar that helps it find its own loft after hours of flight, for hidden under the head feathers are two very sensitive ears, while the sharp, prominent eyes can see great distances in daytime.
Why do homing pigeons fly home? They are not unique in this inherent skill; it is found in most migratory birds, in bees, ants, toads, and even turtles, which have been known to travel hundreds of miles to return to their homes. But in the animal world, the homing pigeon alone can be trusted with its freedom and trained to carry out the missions that people demand.
1. This passage is mainly about_______.
A. homing pigeons and their training
B. how to buy a homing pigeon
C. protection of homing pigeons against the threat of extinction
D. liberation of homing pigeons
2. According to the passage, what happens to homing pigeons when they are about a month old?
A. They are kept in a trap.
B. They enter their first race.
C. They begin a training program.
D. They get their wings clipped and marked.
3. According to the passage, the difference between a homing pigeon and an ordinary one is_______.
A. the span of the wings B. the shape of the eyes
C. the texture of the feathers D. the size of the brain
4. The author mentions all of the following attributes that enable a homing pigeon to
return home EXCEPT_______.
A. instinct B. air sacs
C. sensitive ears D. good eyes
5. Why does the author mention bees, ants, toads, and turtles in the last paragraph?
A. To describe some unusual kinds of pets.
B. To measure distances traveled by various animals.
C. To compare their home-finding abilities with those of homing pigeons.
D. To interest the reader in learning about other animals.
1. A 2. C 3. D 4. B 5. C
我繁忙的学习生活(My busy study life)
中考英语考前必备--议论文写作模板
编写一段题为“Giving a Gift”的对话
永远长不大的小天使(Little Angels Forever grow up)
错误的教训(A lesson of my mistake)
日记(English Diary)
老师,我要感谢你(I want to thank you,teacher)
我最要好的朋友(My Best Friend)
做三明治的过程
画蛇添足(Add Feet)
中学生正确的放松方式(The proper ways for students to relax)
英文便条写作方法
散步(Walking)
对班级群体活动的看法(Comment on class group activity)
我对考试的看法(My Views on Examinations)
中考英语辅导:上学路上(OnMyWaytoSchool)
在你心目中,什么才是美?(What is beauty in your mind?)
第一场雪(First Snow)
篮球是我的最爱(Basketball is My Favorite)
女性不如男性吗?(Are Women Inferior to Men?)
伟大的中国,我爱你!(Great China, I love you!)
我最喜欢的人(My Favourite Person)
国庆节作文:A Wonderful Traveling
传统的节日(Traditional festional)
做三明治的过程
一次空中旅行(A Flight)
未来的生活(Life in the future)
中考英语辅导:新鲜空气(FreshAir)
中考英语辅导:我的一个朋友(AFriendofMine)
中考英语辅导:读书的方法(TheWaysofReading)
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