A. LIKELY B. PROBABLY C. POSSIBLY D. LUCKILYREAD THE FOLLOWING PAS...
27. A. likely
B. probably
C. possibly
D. luckily
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet
to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions
Plants and animals will find it difficult to escape from or adjust to the effects of global
warming. Scientists have already observed shifts in the life cycles of many plants and
animals, such as flowers blooming earlier and birds hatching earlier in the spring. Many
species have begun shifting where they live or their annual migration patterns due to
warmer temperatures.
With further warming, animals will tend to migrate toward the poles and up
mountainsides toward higher elevations. Plants will also attempt to shift their ranges,
seeking new areas as old habitats grow too warm. In many places, however, human
development will prevent these shifts. Species that find cities or farmland blocking their
way north or south may become extinct. Species living in unique ecosystems, such as
those
found in polar and mountaintop regions, are especially at risk because migration to
new habitats is not possible. For example, polar bears and marine mammals in the Arctic
are already threatened by dwindling sea ice but have nowhere farther north to go.
Projecting species extinction due to global warming is extremely difficult. Some
scientists have estimated that 20 to 50 percent of species could be committed to
extinction with 2 to 3 Celsius degrees of further warming. The rate of warming, not just
the magnitude, is extremely important for plants and animals. Some species and even
entire ecosystems, such as certain types of forest, may not be able to adjust quickly
enough and may disappear.
Ocean ecosystems, especially fragile ones like coral reefs, will also be affected by global
warming. Warmer ocean temperatures can cause coral to “bleach”, a state which if
prolonged will lead to the death of the coral. Scientists estimate that even 1 Celsius
degree of additional warming could lead to widespread bleaching and death of coral reefs
around the world. Also, increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enters the ocean and
increases the acidity of ocean waters. This acidification further stresses ocean ecosystems.