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14. Fill in the proper words from the list below.
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14. Fill in the proper words from the list below.
| assess efforts incentives maintain low-lying destruction urgency evolved uninhabitable inventory restoration rate |
Some scientists report that species extinction is occurring at present at the …………of three species a day. (a speed of movement, change). 2. The ………… of the tropical rain forests leads to the loss of areas which are inhabited by a half of the entire world’s species. (devastation, disruption). 3. It is widely known that the groundwater saturation reaches the surface of …………. land making it convenient for the life of many kinds of reptiles and water-resistant plants. (not high). 4. The vast expansion of growing cities and towns makes fields and forests ……………. for most species. (impossible for living). 5. The biological diversity has …………. over the centuries and resulted in development of numerous extraordinary species of animals and plants on the Earth. (to develop naturally and gradually). 6. Now a lot of organizations in the world are accomplishing a constant …………of the global conservation status of biological species (a detailed list of sth). 7. In order to ……………. the risk of extinction to species a special monitoring is made in different countries. (to estimate the nature or value of sth). 8. As a result of outreach activities of ecological organizations people began to understand the …………….. of conservation measures(a matter of the greatest importance). 9. Huge ………………should be made at all levels, from individual to global, to stop species extinction (attempts that require a lot of energy). 10. Special committees are anxious of habitats and ecosystems …………. as a way to reconstruct the natural balance on the planet (the action of recovery, regeneration). 11. The local authorities should create …………………. industry to use cleaner methods of production for reducing the harmful effects on the environment (encouragement). 12. It is necessary to preserve wildlife in order to ……………the natural biodiversity on the Earth (to keep sth in existence).
15. Complete each sentence about endangered species with a / an, some, or any.
a When the last member of species dies, we say that the species has become extinct.
b There aren't dinosaurs left alive because they died out millions of years ago.
c plants, birds and animals are still in danger from human beings.
d This is often because human beings destroy the habitats of animals, so that they don’t have food to eat.
e When animal or a plant becomes extinct, this can affect the plants and animals which depend on it for food.
f For example, there aren't dodos left alive.
g This bird once lived on the island of Mauritius where there weren't animals to eat it.
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h It couldn’t fly, and was easy meal for dogs and rats brought to the island by Europeans in the 16th century.
i Within a hundred years, the dodo became extinct, and although we still have paintings of dodos, there aren't preserved examples,
j Scientists have recently found bones on the island, but nothing else is left of the dodo.
PART 4. TEST YOURSELF
Variant 1
Task 1. Completer the sentences below according to the reading passage.
BIOFUELS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Leading investors have joined the growing chorus of concern about governments and companies rushing into producing biofuels as a solution for global warming, saying that many involved in the sector could be jeopardising future profits if they do not consider the long-term impact of what they are doing carefully.
It is essential to build sustainability criteria into the supply chain of any green fuel project in order to ensure that there is no adverse effect on the surrounding environment and social structures. The report produced by the investors expresses concern that many companies may not be fully aware of the potential pitfalls in the biofuel sector.
Production of corn and soya beans has increased dramatically in the last years as an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels but environmental and human rights campaigners are worried that this will lead to destruction of rain forests. Food prices could also go up as there is increased competition for crops as both foodstuffs and sources of fuel. Last week, the UN warned that biofuels could have dangerous side effects and said that steps need to be taken to make sure that land converted to grow biofuels does not damage the environment or cause civil unrest. There is already great concern about palm oil, which is used in many foods in addition to being an important biofuel, as rain forests are being cleared in some countries and people driven from their homes to create palm oil plantations.
An analyst and author of the investors' report says that biofuels are not a cure for climate change but they can play their part as long as governments and companies manage the social and environmental impacts thoroughly. There should also be greater measure taken to increase efficiency and to reduce demand.
1. Biofuel producers ____ know about the possible problems.
a) do not
b) might not
c) must not
2. Environmentalists believe that increased production of corn and soya
a) has destroyed rain forests.
b) may lead to the destruction of rain forests.
c) will lead to the destruction of rain forests.
3. Biofuels might
a) drive food prices up.
b) drive food prices down.
c) have little or no impact on food prices.
4. The increased production of palm oil
a) just affects the environment.
b) just affects people.
c) affects both people and the environment.
5. The author of the report says that biofuels
a) have no role to play in fighting global warming.
b) can be effective in fighting global warming on their own.
c) should be part of a group of measures to fight global warming.
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