Old－growth forests are forests that have been around for a long time without significant disturbances. One way the spotted owl has become a protector of old－growth forests is simply by being there. The northern spotted owl has become endangered, and so to protect them from dying out, the government has to protect their habitat. So now any destruction of old－growth forests is illegal. Another way the owls help their habitat is by eating small animals. This helps create a balance in the forest.

　　So, if the northern spotted owl is in a habitat that is protected by laws, why are they still endangered?

　　Unfortunately, a cousin of the northern spotted owl has moved into its neighborhood. The bigger, more aggressive"barred owl" has grown in population and due to loss of the forests they lived in on the East Coast of the United States, they have begun to move to the west coast.

　　These owls are taking the food source and pushing northern spotted owls out of their own home. Although the barred owl is able to live in different habitats, the northern spotted owl can only live in old－growth forests.

　　Many government officials have been at a loss to find an answer to the difficult question, "What do we do with the non－native barred owls？" Some methods include shooting them. It is a difficult problem to deal with. Can you think of any possible solutions?

　　语篇解读：本文为一篇说明文。文章介绍了一种濒危动物斑点猫头鹰，并分析了它们处于危险的原因。

　　1．The northern spotted owl __________.

　　A．is particular about its food

　　B．has difficulty adapting to a new habitat

C．seems dangerous and aggressive