The hippopotamus is, without doubt, one of the strangestlooking animals in the world.The ancient
Greeks named this large animal "hippopotamus, " which means "river horse." But hippos are not related
to horses.
     Found only in Africa, hippos come in two varieties.The small pygmy hippo lives in rain forests.And the
large common hippo lives mostly in grassland around rivers and lakes.
     The common hippo is the third largest land mammal in the world.It is lighter than the largest of the
white rhinos and the elephant, the heaviest land animal.The elephant is almost twice as heavy as the
common hippo.
      In the past, the hippo has been killed for meat, for sport, and for its tough skin.But today, in
preserves only, the common hippo has increased in number.The hippo has few predators(天敌) other
than lions and leopards that sometimes catch young hippos.There were many hippos killed by man during
the last half of the 19th century, when Africa was being explored and settled.And a great many hippos
and other animals were killed by poachers(偷猎者) during the fighting in Uganda in the 1970s.The hippo
is strong, though.It resists disease and has a long lifetime, living 20 to 40 years in the wild.
      Hippos spend most of their time in the water, only moving onto land at night to eat.By feeding at night, their skin is protected from the sun and the dry air that can cause a serious loss of moisture(水分).
      Because of its large body, the common hippo may appear awkward on land, but it can move very
fast and is considered by many to be the most dangerous animal in Africa.By spending their days in the
water and their nights on land, hippos make it difficult for scientists to study them, so there is still much to
be learned about hippos.The huge hippos, with their big mouths and tiny ears, have always fascinated
humans.As scientists learn more about them, they become even more fascinating.

1. We can learn from the passage that hippos ________.
A. have no connection with horses
B. can be found all over the world
C. are goodlooking animals
D. live mostly in rain forests

2. Which of the following may threaten the lives of hippos?
A. Rhinos.  
B. Water.
C. Lions.  
D. Elephants.

3. Why do hippos feed themselves at night?
A. It is cooler at night.
B. The air at night is fresher.
C. They try to avoid their predators.
D. The poachers don't come out at night.

4. Why is it difficult for scientists to study the hippo?
A. It can move fast.
B. Its number is decreasing.
C. It is the most dangerous animal.
D. It doesn't appear on land during the day.

     China has recently been faced with serious issues of product safety.In Panama,it is said that medicine
made with a poisonous chemical sickened some people.A Chinese company had identified it as
diethylamide glycol(乙二醇),a lowcost substitute commonly used in automobile antifreeze(防冻剂)．
     Some countries have banned Chinesemade toothpaste containing diethylamide glycol.China has now
told companies to discontinue its use,even though it says the toothpaste is safe. Another industrial chemical,
melamine,was found in wheat flour used to make pet food in North America.Thousands of dogs and cats
became sick.
     The United States has restricted some imports of Chinese seafood because they contained banned
substance.And questions have been raised about other products,including children's toys covered with lead
paint.
     Chinese officials promised to provide the European Union,the biggest trading partner,with detailed
reports on enforcement efforts against unsafe goods.
     Meglena Kuneva,commissioner(理事) for consumer protection of the European Union said China
should have kept its promise.
     China recently closed three companies linked to the Panama and the pet food scare.And it dismissed
the former head of its food and drug administration.He was found guilty of corruption(腐败)for approving
unsafe drugs.This week,a conference of the State Council approved a proposed special measure on the
supervision of food safety. The Xinhua News Agency said it calls for stronger controls over producers,
greater responsibilities for government and more serious punishment for illegal activities.
     But Chinese officials have accused some foreign media of overstating problems with goods made in
China.They say food imports from the United States also fail inspection sometimes.Next week,American 
and Chinese food safety officials are planning to hold 5 days of meetings in Beijing to discuss cooperation.

1．How many cases with safety problems are mentioned in the passage?

A. Six.
B. Five.  
C. Four.
D. Three.

2．How was Panama case dealt with afterwards?

A. Three companies linked to it  were closed down.
B. The former head of food and drug administration was removed from his position.
C. More serious punishment was conducted for leaders linked to it.
D. Both A and B.

3．It can be implied but not clearly stated that________.

A. Chinesemade toothpaste is safe
B. the safety of "Made in China" is doubted
C. there are safety problems with one more Chinese products
D. stronger control over Chinese products is in need

4．The passage is mainly about________.

A. China is facing product safety problems
B. more controls are taken of Chinese goods
C. overstated problems with Chinese goods
D. China is losing its trade partners