Drones are widely used today--taking pictures,helping with crops and delivering
packages.But how do birds react to them?Researchers tested this in Australia.They
found most birds weren't disturbed if the drone was small and flew above 60 metres.
However,the endangered eastern curlews got scared easily.Even when a tiny drone
came at 120 metres(the legal height),they flew away.And when they did,other
nearby birds also got frightened,causing a “ domino effect " that made the whole group
fly away.
Drone disturbance can stop birds from resting or eating.If birds are often scared
away from their homes,they can't eat or rest enough,which harms their survival and
ability to have babies.This is especial ll y bad for birds like eastern curl lew s,which fly
thousands of kilometres to breed.
Shorebirds(birds living along coasts)are in trou b lle.Their global numbers have
plummeted because of habitat destruction,rising sea levels and human activities.For
eastern curlews-the largest migr at orly shore bird--their population fell 80% over three
generations.
Drones might not be the main reason for these birds' decline yet.But with more
drones near coasts,they could become a new problem for these already endangered
birds.Drones have good uses,but we must use them carefully.Some places,like
Australian national parks,already restrict drones.Managers need to understand how
drones affect wildlife to make better rules and protect these birds.
(
D
)1.What's the problem with eastern curlews?
A.Their habitats are being damaged.
B.They are being hunted.
C.Their safety is being threatened.
D.They are being disturbed.
(
A
)2.How does the writer organize the passage?
A.present a pro bl lem → show research results-→ discuss influences-→ give
suggestions
B.tell a story → analyse causes-→ show examples-→ draw a conclusion
C.introduce a topic → compare different opinions → list advantages and
disadvantages
D.start with a question → provide solutions-→ explain reasons → share
experiences
(
C
)3.What does the underlined word “ plummeted " in paragraph 3 mean?
A.Increased slowly. B.Stayed the same.
C.Dropped greatly. D.Changed irregularly.
(
C
)4.What can we infer from the last paragraph?
A.Drones have no benefits to wildlife.
B.All national parks should ban drones.
C.Managers need to make rules based on how drones affect birds.
D.Drones are the main reason for the shore bird decline.
