题目内容

Traditional farming methods are keys to protecting a number of threatened bird species in the developing world , a study has found . Livestock grazing（家畜放牧）and qualities associated with arable farming（耕作农业）create environmental conditions that certain birds depend on for food , shelter and producing young .

But as industrial farming methods eliminate their living places , these species are threatened with extinction（绝种）, said Hugh Wright , a researcher at the University of East Anglia , United Kingdom . “ There really is no hope for these species if industrial farming continues uncontrolled ,” he said . “ Although reintroducing traditional farming techniques has had success in conserving wildlife in Europe , conservation in the developing world has always focused on natural forest ecosystems and has paid little attention to where farming might be beneficial . ” The study found 29 bird species threatened by the disappearing of traditional agriculture in developing countries .

Farmers can also benefit from protecting biodiversity since it helps to prove the benefits of traditional agriculture and could prevent big agri-businesses from forcing farmers off their land . Also , by offering farmers money reward to continue these beneficial practices , governments can make sure that conservation and development move forward together .

Professor Tim Benton , from the University of Leeds , United Kingdom , agreed that traditional agricultural methods are a valuable conservation tool . But he also said that “ land sparing ” —where some areas are farmed while others are left for conservation— can lead to more wildlife and better crop production . “ There is no one strategy（策略）, but a ‘ middle ground ’ that combines land sparing and traditional farming methods to suit local conditions could be the best conservation strategy ,” he added . “ Farmers need to assess which species they have , how possible it is to protect them , what it will cost and social issues as well before coming up with a conservation strategy for an area .”

56. How do traditional farming methods benefit threatened bird species ?

A. By providing them with higher quality food .

B. By providing them with a natural living environment .

C. By forcing them to live in limited space in large groups .

D. By making them more competitive in the struggle for survival .

57. The underlined word “ eliminate ” in Paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to “ ” .

A. stay away from B. make room for C. pay attention to D. get rid of

58. According to the passage , biodiversity protection is beneficial to farmers in that it .

A. allows them to remain on their land

B. speeds up the development of agriculture

C. saves them time and money spent on farming

D. offers them money reward to make them stop farming