Ⅳ. 任务型阅读(每小题 1 分,满分 10 分)
阅读并根据下面的对话,在表格中的空格里填入一个最恰当的单词。
Mr Wu is interviewing some Grade Nine students for a class project called Animal World.
Mr Wu: Some animals like living in groups, others don't. Which is better, and which type would you be?
Simon: I'd be a zebra! Group living means better protection against enemies.
Mr Wu: And why a zebra?
Simon: If enemies went for me, my buddies would circle around me and drive them away. Plus, I look smart in stripes! Oh, did I mention zebras travel in huge numbers? I won't get lonely any more.
Rhona: Well, I'd be in an elephant community. Making friends is much easier and females help to look after each other's babies. Scientists also discover animals that live in groups live longer than others.
Mr Wu: Would you be an elephant or a zebra, Amy?
Amy: I might be an insect, instead. One kind of worker bees cares for the young. I also love how the bees huddle (依偎) together to stay warm over winter.
Lily: I think I'd prefer to be a leopard (豹), living on my own.
Simon: A leopard? But doesn't it get into trouble without a group to back it up?
Lily: Not really. Leopards are amazing hunters on their own—they can sneak up on prey (猎物) quietly. If I were part of a big group, there'd be more competition (竞争) for food. Imagine having to fight over every meal! Living alone means I get to keep what I catch.
Charlie: Well, I'd rather go alone too, like skunks (臭鼬).
Simon: Really, Charlie—with no friends to help you?
Charlie: Skunks don't need groups to help them. They shoot their stink spray (臭液)—that could be fun. And a big group might attract enemies. It's easier to stay hidden if there's only one of you. And animal groups seem fine if you're a leader but less cool if you're just a member.
Mr Wu: There are often fights for higher levels in the group.
Charlie: And fights for partners or food too. I'm not competitive—and I'd hate getting hurt. And you're more likely to get ill in a group because disease could spread fast.
Simon: So, which is better?
Mr Wu: It depends on the environment and the animal. Either being alone or being in a group can help you survive.

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