Horizon：Distinctive animals found nowhere else(组图)

发布 : 2024-10-30  来源 : 明报新闻网


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Madagascar - Fossa (马岛长尾狸猫)（mantaphoto@iStockphoto）



Ecuador - Gal?pagos penguin (加拉巴哥环企鹅)（Donyanedomam@iStockphoto）



Brazil - Amazon river dolphin (亚马逊河豚)（miralex@iStockphoto）


【明报专讯】The world is full of beautiful and unique animals, some of which are endemic (地方性的) to specific regions or countries. Each of these animals has adapted in remarkable ways to their environments.

Madagascar - Fossa (马岛长尾狸猫)

The fossa is a carnivorous mammal which resembles a mix between a cat and a mongoose. It has a long, lean body and a muscular tail which helps balance. Endemic to Madagascar, the fossa is found nowhere else in the world. Its special claws and flexible ankles make it a versatile hunter, allowing it to climb trees and leap between branches with ease.

Ecuador - Gal?pagos penguin (加拉巴哥环企鹅)

The Gal?pagos penguin is the only penguin species found north of the equator and is endemic to the Gal?pagos Islands in Ecuador. Smaller than most penguin species, it stands about 49 cm tall. These penguins are excellent swimmers, using their flippers to propel themselves underwater while hunting for fish. Unlike most penguins, which live in colder climates, the Gal?pagos penguin has adapted to the warm equatorial climate.

Brazil - Amazon river dolphin (亚马逊河豚)

The Amazon river dolphin, also known as the pink river dolphin, is found in South America's Amazon Basin, with the largest population in Brazil. It lives in freshwater and can swim through flooded forests. Smaller than oceanic dolphins, it turns from grey to pink with age. Its flexible neck allows a 180-degree head turn, which helps it navigate complex environments.

■Gear up

Which of the following is a special feature of the Gal?pagos penguin?

A. heat tolerance

B. grey colour

C. lives in freshwater

(Answer on next text)

■Glossary

carnivorous(adj) 肉食性的

versatile (adj) 多才多艺的

equator (n) 赤道

propel (v) ??u进

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[Smarties' Power English 第419期]