文字稿

迄今為止最廣泛的一項研究調查得出結論：新煙堿類殺蟲劑對蜜蜂和野峰有害。科研人員發現與殺蟲劑中化學成分的接觸降低了蜜蜂蜂巢的越冬存活率，同時大黃蜂和獨居蜂的蜂王繁殖數量也有所減少。這項調查研究覆蓋了英國、德國和匈牙利境內共兩千公頃的土地，目的是研究殺蟲劑對自然界真正的影響。請聽報道。

Much research on neonicotinoid pesticides has been carried out in labs. But this study has assessed their impact in the wider environment. The researchers found that bumblebees and solitary bees exposed to the pesticides were less likely to produce new queens. For honeybees in the UK and Hungary, hives were more likely to die off over the winter.

Professor Richard Pywel is from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in the UK. ‘This is important because many crops globally are insect pollinated and without pollinators, we would struggle to produce some foods.’

Some environmental campaigners say these findings should spell the end for neonicotinoids. But a manufacturer says they're convinced their product isn't bad for bees and highlighted part of the study that showed honeybees in Germany were not affected by the pesticides.

詞匯表

neonicotinoid pesticides 新煙堿類殺蟲劑
impact 影響
bumblebees 大黃蜂
exposed to 接觸到
queens 蜂王
hives 蜂巢
pollinators 傳遞花粉的昆蟲
spell the end 意味… 的終結、結束
convinced 堅信

測驗

請聽報道并回答下列問題。

1. Where were most of the previous studies of neonicotinoid pesticides carried out?

2. What impact did neonicotinoid pesticides have on bumblebees?

3. True or false? Honeybees in all countries were affected by the pesticides.

4. Which word in the text means ‘results of investigations or research’?

答案

1. Where were most of the previous studies of neonicotinoid pesticides carried out?
Previous studies were mostly carried out in labs.  

2. What impact did neonicotinoid pesticides have on bumblebees?
The study showed bumblebees exposed to pesticides are less likely to produce new queen bees.

3. True or false? Honeybees in all countries were affected by the pesticides.
False. Part of the study showed honeybees in Germany were not affected by the pesticides.

4. Which word in the text means ‘results of investigations or research’?
Findings.