Alarm over decline in flying insects 飞虫数量锐减值得警惕

Alarm over decline in flying insects 飞虫数量锐减值得警惕

德国63个自然保护区内的飞行类昆虫数量在过去27年中减少了四分之三以上。研究人员认为这一现象值得警惕，因为飞虫是自然生态系统中的重要组成部分。它既是植物的授粉者，也是扮演食物链的关键角色。请听报道。

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.

词汇表 monitoring 监控，监测，密切注视

nature reserves 自然保护区

wasps 黄蜂，胡蜂

moths 飞蛾

severe 非常严重的

pollination （植物的）授粉

hostile 不利的，恶劣的

anecdotally 有趣地，趣闻轶事地

squashed 压扁，挤扁

windscreens（汽车等的）挡风玻璃

landscapes 乡间，野外

测验 请听报道并回答下列问题。

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.