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.