5 TRANG THE BRITISH ISLANDS DID NOT EXCEED 66, AND THE WHOLE OF EUROPE SUPPORTED ONLY 321

the British islands did not exceed 66, and the whole of Europe supported only 321. This early comparison

of tropical and temperate butterfly richness has been well confirmed.

A general theory of diversity would have to predict not only this difference between temperate and

tropical zones, but also patterns within each region, and how these patterns vary among different animal

and plant groups. However, for butterflies, variation of species richness within temperate or tropical

regions, rather than between them, is poorly understood. Indeed, comparisons of numbers of species

among the Amazon basin, tropical Asia, and Africa are still mostly "personal communication" citations,

even for vertebrates. In other words, unlike comparison between temperate and tropical areas, these

patterns are still in the documentation phase.

In documenting geographical variation in butterfly diversity, some arbitrary, practical decisions are

made. Diversity, number of species, and species richness are used synonymously;

little is known about

the evenness of butterfly distribution. The New World butterflies make up the preponderance of examples

because they are the most familiar species. It is hoped that by focusing on them, the errors generated by

imperfect and incomplete taxonomy will be minimized.

Question 43: Which aspect of butterflies does the passage mainly discuss?

A. Their physical characteristics

B. Their adaptation to different habitats

C. Their names

D. Their variety

Question 44: The word "consequence" in the passage is closest in meaning to "_______".

A. requirement

B. analysis

C. result

D. explanation

Question 45: Butterflies are a good example for communicating information about conservation issues

because they _______.

A. are found mainly in temperate climates

B. have been given scientific names

C. are simple in structure

D. are viewed positively by people

Question 46: The word "striking" in the passage is closest in meaning to "_______".

A. noticeable

B. successful

C. confusing

D. physical

Question 47: The word “exceed” in the passage is closest in meaning to "_______".

A. allow

B. go beyond

C. come close to

D. locate

Question 48:

All of the followings are mentioned as being important parts of a general theory of

diversity EXCEPT _______.

A. differences between temperate and tropical zones

B. variation of patterns of distribution of species among different animals and plants

C. patterns of distribution of species in each region

D. migration among temperate and tropical zones

Question 49:

The author mentions "tropical Asia" in the passage as an example of a location where

_______.

A. a general theory of butterfly diversity has not yet been firmly established

B. butterflies are affected by human populations

C. butterfly behavior varies with climate

D. documenting plant species is more difficult than documenting butterfly species

Question 50: Which of the following is NOT well understood by biologists?

A. European butterfly habitats

B. Comparisons of behavior patterns of butterflies and certain animal groups