阅读理解
The hemlock(铁杉) trees along the Wappinger
Creek, New York, look healthy. However, scientist Gary Lovett says the white
balls which provide protection for the bugs are created by a tiny insect. It's
hard to believe the tiny bug could kill a tree. However, trees can end up with
millions and millions of the pests. When there are that many, it ends up
killing the tree.
The bug from East Asia is slowly killing trees
across the USA. The trouble-making bug is just one of many invasive(入侵的) pests that have slipped into the United States. They can hurt
other living things in their new home.
Many invasive pests arrive on wooden pallets(运货板) piled inside shipping containers. They support and separate
goods, and keep them from sliding around. Invasive pests often tunnel into the
pallets. How can we stop pests from riding on pallets? Lovett says new rules
are needed. The companies that make pallets don't want more rules. Congress has
added an amendment(修正案) in the 2018 Farm Bill to
try and prevent this problem. However, Lovett is not hopeful it will make much
of a difference. Pallets are checked by inspectors. Many are sprayed with
bug-killing pesticide. "I believe in the system," said Brent McClendon, president of The National Wooden
Pallet and Container Association. He also said shipping containers are checked
very carefully.
Still, each year 13 million containers are
shipped to the U. S. Each is full of wooden pallets. Lovett says: "Inspectors
can't possibly check everything. All it takes are a few bad pallets; we should
get rid of wooden pallets." He believes pallets should be made of plastic
or eco-composite wood. Eco-composite wood is a mix of wood fiber and plastic.
Insects cannot hide into it. One problem is that these choices cost more. They
may be worth the extra money, though. Invasive pests cost the U.S. $5 billion a
year. Trees don't just die in forests. They also die in cities and our yards.
Then, they need to be replaced. That costs money, too.
(1)
All the statements are TRUE except that ________.
A . pesticide has been applied to bug-killing
B . invasive pests are native to Wappinger Creek
C . invasive pests hide in pallets used in shipping
D . the companies making pallets don't want more rules
(2)
What can we infer from the passage?
A . Bugs can be easily spotted by eyes.
B . Bugs ruin the shipping goods slowly.
C . Even tiny bugs could be a threat to a tree.
D . Bugs cover trees with white soft balls to protect tress.
(3)
Why does Gary Lovett want to get rid of wooden pallets?
A . Because insects mostly die in them.
B . Because plastic pallets are eco-friendly.
C . Because they are not worth extra money.
D . Because they are the major pest carriers.
(4)
What does the passage mainly talk about?
A . Invasive pests are harming plants in the USA.
B . Effective measures have stopped the pest invasion.
C . Congress contributes a lot to dealing with invasive pests.
D . Ecosystem in the USA is poorly damaged by invasive woods.
答案: B
C
D
A