Orangutans are most at home in forests. These large and interesting apes move through the trees by swinging among branches. They sleep in trees too, in nests they make from branches and leaves. They eat the fruit, leaves, and bark of the trees.
Most orangutans are found on two Southeast Asian islands, Borneo and Sumatra. They live in groups made up of 10 to 12 adults and their young. A group occupies about a square mile of the forest. Within the area, each adult group member has its own territory.
Orangutans need large forests to follow this way of life, but the forests in Borneo and Sumatra are shrinking. The local people have been clearing the forests to make farmland. Sometimes the forest that remains is too small for the orangutans.
Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society are trying to help the orangutans. But in order to help, they must first capture the animals. So as not to hurt them, the scientists use darts that have sleeping medicine on the tips. Once the orangutans are asleep, the scientists take them to forests that are large enough for them to live comfortably. However, the orangutans are still in danger. Care must be taken to control forest fires, and also to help the people to live together with these animals as good neighbors.
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1. Each group of orangutans lives in an area of about __________.
A. l mile B. 10 to 12 miles
C. l square mile D. 100 square miles
2. Orangutans are being helped by __________.
A. scientists B. the United Nations
C. farmers D. local people
3. On the whole, this story is about __________.
A. the Wildlife Conservation Society
B. how orangutans live
C. the forests of Borneo and Sumatra
4. Why are the forests of Borneo and Sumatra shrinking?
A. The forests are too small for the orangutans.
B. The orangutans are eating all the bark off the trees.
C. Because of forest fires and local people clearing them.
参考答案：1. C 2. A 3. B 4. C
