文字稿
科學傢認為將英國鬥牛犬與其它犬種雜交可能是保證其生存的最佳途徑。數百年來，為保留其特定的外貌特征，鬥牛犬一直沿襲同系間交配。然而一項基因研究表明，如果沒有“新鮮血液”的幫助，該品種將面臨一系列健康問題。請聽報道。
The English Bulldog was one of the most popular breeds across Britain and America last year. But during the latter part of the last century, many bulldogs were bred to have exaggerated physical features, which led to health issues including breathing difficulties.
Researchers at the University of California say popularity can no longer excuse the health problems that the average bulldog endures. And they say the gene pool has become so small, it could be difficult to improve the health of the English Bulldog without cross-breeding.
The Head of Health and Research at the Kennel Club, Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi, said they continue to look at ways to ensure the sustainability of a breed if it is at risk, and they’re working with breed clubs and researchers in order to do this.
詞匯表
English Bulldog 英國鬥牛犬
breeds 品種
latter （一段時間）後半期的
exaggerated （體型）過大的
physical features 外貌特征
breathing difficulties 呼吸困難
excuse 為……的理由
endures 承受，忍受（病痛）
gene pool （某一物種的）基因庫
cross-breeding （動、植物）雜交配種
sustainability 持續性
breed clubs （為喜愛同一種狗設立的）養犬俱樂部
測驗
請聽報道並回答下列問題。
1. When did many bulldogs start to develop exaggerated physical traits?
2. True or false? The popularity of the breed might be a reason why its health issues have been allowed to develop.
3. What could be a way to improve the health of the English Bulldog, according to text?
4. Which prepositional phrase in the text means ‘exposed to a dangerous situation’?
答案
1. When did many bulldogs start to develop exaggerated physical traits?
In the latter part of the last century, many bulldogs were bred to have exaggerated physical traits.
2. True or false? The popularity of the breed might be a reason why its health issues have been allowed to develop.
True. Researchers say popularity can no longer excuse its health issues, which means that being popular used to be a reason why the English Bulldog’s health problems were previously ignored.
3. What could be a way to improve the health of the English Bulldog, according to the text?
Cross-breeding could be a way to improve the health of the English Bulldog.
4. Which prepositional phrase in the text means ‘exposed to a dangerous situation’?
At risk.
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