hurricanes will not only increase but may also become more intense. If the changes come too quickly, animal and plant species may not be able to adapt fast enough and could disappear.

　　According to Science Dalily, a new study predicts that by the year 2100, many of today's familiar climates will be replaced by climates unknown in today's world. It is urgent that we reduce the risks of these far­reaching consequences for the whole world. The planet itself has been showing signs of change. In 2004, a serious tsunami created by a major earthquake killed thousands in Sumatra and in 2008, thousands died in China because of another severe earthquake. Egypt was hit in 2009 with a major earthquake and Haiti was devastated in 2010 by yet another massive earthquake.

　　Within just the last few months, new reports from around the world have been coming in and most agree that our climate situation is much worse than previously thought. At this point, it doesn't matter what is causing it, but rather, what can be done about it. What's more, our world is getting more and more unstable every year. There is war and threat of war everywhere. Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and serious.

　　However, other planets are experiencing global warming as well as our own and some scientists believe there may be some connection between this. No one knows anything for sure at this point because there is simply not enough data.

　　语篇解读：本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了未来气候的变化对人和动物的生存环境的影响。

　　5．What is the major function of Paragraph 1?

　　A．To arouse the reader's concern.

　　B．To introduce the theme of the whole passage.

　　C．To summarize the whole passage.

　　D．To state how climate changes.

　　解析：选B　推理判断题。根据第一段第一句可知，最新研究数据表明，世界的气候变化已经严重地影响了社会和环境。而接下来的几段则是围绕气候变化对社会和环境具体的影响而展开的，由此可推知，第一段主要是介绍文章的主题。故选B项。

　　6．What is the author's purpose in using the examples of earthquakes?

　　A．To show major changes are taking place on the planet.

　　B．To remind people to prevent future earthquakes.

　　C．To show the damage earthquakes caused.

　　D．To tell us more earthquakes will happen in the future.

解析：选A　细节理解题。根据第三段第三句"The planet itself has been showing signs