全新版大学英语视听阅读home listening原文
Cicadas and Cicada Killers
The Cicada
The cicada is a special type of locust. Although some kinds of cicadas (annual cicadas) appear every year,
many other types spend most of their lives underground, emerging from the earth only after a fixed period of time
— either 13 years or 17 years. One way to identify a cicada is by its distinctive call. The male makes a noise that
sounds like the buzz of a bee, only much louder, and it is capable of making several different types of noises. One
sound can be heard when a male is frightened or is being handled, another is used to attract groups of males and
females together. Three additional types of calls are also used during the mating process.
The Life Cycle of the Cicada
Although they fly like locusts, cicadas do not cause extensive crop damage; however, these insects do some
minor damage to vegetation. When laying their eggs, the female cicada makes a hole in a tree branch where she
places the eggs. If enough of these insects do this in the same tree, it can devastate the structure of the tree and
cause branches to break off or die. Upon hatching, the tiny creatures fall to the ground and dig into the earth
where they feed on the underground roots of the tree, growing slowly until they emerge years later as adults. The
exact day of their emergence is determined by how warm the weather is. When the temperature of the soil reaches
17.8° Celsius, the cicadas dig their way out of their holes and climb the nearest tree. There, they rest for several
days before beginning their adult lives.
The Cicada Killer
The cicada killer is a large bee-like insect that, like the cicada, spends most of its life underground. As the name
implies, part of its life cycle involves killing cicadas. Because they emerge in mid-July, cicada killers prey only
on annual cicadas, not on the 13- or 17-year varieties that emerge in May or June and die by July. To provide food
for her young, the female of the species stings a cicada and carries it back to her nest. There, she lays an egg on 19
the cicada and places a seal over the egg. In a few days, the egg hatches and the tiny cicada killers eat the cicada
and then spend the winter in an underground nest. Cicada killers are beneficial in that they help control the cicada
population which can threaten trees if they become too numerous.
The Jumbo vs. The Colossal Squid
Squid are among the least understood of all invertebrates. For centuries sailors have reported squid-like
monsters so large that they would be capable of destroying entire ships. Only recently, however, have biologists
been able to determine the truth about these strange creatures. They are also now able to categorize many of them
by genus, a more general category of animal types, as well as by species. Two such enormous squid are the jumbo squid and the colossal squid.
The Jumbo Squid
The jumbo squid, also known as the Humboldt squid, has been sighted in the Pacific Ocean from the tip of
South America to the coast of California. Recently, some have appeared as far north as Alaska, raising questions
about the effects of global warming on the species. Some researchers suggest that
they are moving further north
because the northern oceans are warming, while others believe that declining numbers of predators have allowed
the jumbo squid to expand their territories.
One unusual feature of the jumbo squid is its ability to radically change its color from reddish-purple to pure
white. The red color is useful to the squid when hunting for food since red is not easily visible to fish and other
creatures in the darkness of the ocean depths. This species is also known to be quite aggressive and Mexican
divers who have encountered them underwater have given them the name diablos rojos, or ―red devils.‖
The Colossal Squid
For many years, little was known about the species of squid called the ―colossal squid.‖ It was first identified in
1925 when scientists discovered two huge squid tentacles in a whale‘s stomach. The term ―colossal squid‖ was
created in 2004 when a group of fishermen off the coast of New Zealand accidentally caught a six-meter-long
squid. They took their find to a research center where experts confirmed that it was indeed an example of the
largest species of squid known to science. The word ―colossal‖ was used to distinguish it from its smaller relative,
the giant squid. Although scientists had examined similar squid in the past, those animals were found dead and
their bodies were not complete or in good condition. The researchers in New Zealand were extremely excited
because this was only the second time in history that scientists were provided with the opportunity to do a
thorough examination of an undamaged example of a colossal squid.
Travel Temptations
The Orient Express, with its magnificent décor, fine cuisine, and careful attention to details, has long
been famous for pampering its guests. Treatment like this was once available only to
the rich and famous. Today, however, large hotels, or “resorts,” worldwide are offering an ever-growing range of luxurious options.
Sea Ranch Lodge, California
Sea Ranch Lodge is located on the California coast, a two-hour drive north of San Francisco. Its
magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean provides an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. Fine food and wine
are two of Sea Ranch Lodge’s biggest attractions. The chef is famous in the region and the assistant chef is
an experienced specialty baker. In addition, the lodge regularly invites local winemakers to host dinners at
the resort where food and wine are perfectly paired and guests can learn more about fine dining. Because it
is located far from any large city, Sea Ranch Lodge also offers an unusual option—a dark sky. Guests are 46
encouraged to stay up late to enjoy the beauty of the stars, which are not often visible in the city.
Karma Samui, Thailand
On the tiny island of Koh Samui off the coast of Thailand lies a resort that provides an astonishing level
of luxury. Guests stay in individual houses, or villas, spaced out along the beach. Each one is equipped with
a kitchen, dining room, and lounge area, as well as its own medium-sized swimming pool. Meals are
available in the dining room, or for the height of luxury, guests can have a private chef and waiter prepare
and serve their meals in their villa. Karma Samui also offers a “street food” cooking class in which guests
take a guided tour of local markets, buy provisions, and then practice cooking these new specialties when they return to the resort.
Canyon Ranch, Arizona
Canyon Ranch calls itself a holistic, or complete, health resort. The owner, Mel Zukeman, says, “For me,
our heartfelt intention to help every guest find greater joy in living is what makes us different from all
other resorts.” The aim is to teach guests how to care for and heal both their bodies and their minds.
There are meetings with doctors and alternative healers who offer both conventional and unconventional
treatment options. A stay also includes physical activities such as swimming and hiking, dietary guidance,
as well as advice on how to reduce stress and better manage personal issues and human interactions in
everyday life. Not bad for a week’s vacation!
The World Heritage Organization: Preserving Our Past
Today many organizations, both local and global, are devoted to preserving works of art, buildings, and even
entire cities. The World Heritage Organization (WHO) is one such group. The following is a brief update on what
is being done to preserve cultural heritage worldwide.
The Tombs of Buganda Kings in Kampala, Uganda
The Buganda are one of eight tribal groups who have lived in Uganda for centuries. By 1750 they had created a
well-planned centralized form of government. Their leader, called the Kabaka, was assisted by a prime minister as
well as the head of the army and the commander of the navy. Over the years, the tribe has continued to maintain
many of their original customs and beliefs. Tribal loyalty remains important to the Bugandans, even as many of
them leave the country to make lives for themselves overseas. In 1884, in order to preserve and honor the
memory of the former kings, the palace grounds of the Kabaka were turned into a burial ground for them. In 2001,
百度搜索“77cn”或“免费范文网”即可找到本站免费阅读全部范文。收藏本站方便下次阅读，免费范文网，提供经典小说综合文库全新版大学英语视听阅读home listening原文在线全文阅读。
相关推荐：