2023届高考英语二轮复习外刊阅读训练：水泥森林

2023届高考英语二轮复习外刊阅读训练：水泥森林 ——改编自The roar of mountain lions mixes with the roar of traffic Los Angeles is known for its busy highways, but it is also home to mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains, which are vital to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The population of these apex predators is stable, and their habitat is mostly pristine wilderness. However, their existence is threatened by habitat fragmentation caused by Route 101, a highway cutting through the mountains, effectively separating the lions from a larger wilderness to the north. As a result, genetic degradation and inbreeding have become severe problems leading to increased chances of extinction. A study conducted in 2016 showed that there was between a 15-22% chance of extinction in 50 years due to environmental factors. Still, the more significant concern was genetic deterioration, leading to a 99.7% chance of extinction. The importance of genetic diversity prompted Californians to take action and create an overpass bridge spanning 165 feet (50 metres) wide over Route 101, allowing mountain lions to pass over safely. Similar corridors have worked elsewhere, such as the elk overpasses over the Trans-Canada Highway and bridges for red crabs on Christmas Island. Through campaigning and fundraising efforts, the governor launched construction of the corridor. Mountain lions become sexually mature at two and a half to three years and have cubs every other year. Within ten years of completion, the offspring of the first mating beyond the mountains could have cubs, making a difference genetically. Experts believe that this solution will help sustain the mountain lion population, ultimately saving them from extinction. 【重点词汇】 1. Los Angeles /lɑs ˈændʒəliːz/ n. 洛杉矶 2. highways /ˈhaɪweɪz/ n. 高速公路 3. mountain lions /ˈmaʊntɪn ˈlaɪənz/ n. “山狮”，即美洲狮 4. Santa Monica Mountains /ˈsæntə mɒnɪkə ˈmaʊntənz/ n. 圣莫尼卡山脉 5. vital /ˈvaɪtl/ adj. 必不可少的；极其重要的 6. maintaining /meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ/ v. 维持，保持 7. healthy ecosystem /ˈ