Page 1

PASSAGE 4

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the

correct answer to each of the questions

Butterflies are among the most extensively studied insects - an estimated 90 percent of the world's

species have scientific names. As a consequence, they are perhaps the best group of insects for examining

patterns of terrestrial biotic diversity and distribution. Butterflies also have a favorable image with the

general public. Hence, they are an excellent group for communicating information on science and

conservation issues such as diversity.

Perhaps the aspect of butterfly diversity that has received the most attention over the past century is

the striking difference in species richness between tropical and temperate regions.

For example, in 1875 one biologist pointed out the diversity of butterflies in the Amazon when he

mentioned that about 700 species were found within an hour's walk, whereas the total number found on

the British islands did not exceed 66, and the whole of Europe supported only 321. This early comparison

of tropical and temperate butterfly richness has been well confirmed.

A general theory of diversity would have to predict not only this difference between temperate and

tropical zones, but also patterns within each region, and how these patterns vary among different animal

and plant groups. However, for butterflies, variation of species richness within temperate or tropical

regions, rather man between them, is poorly understood. Indeed, comparisons of numbers of species

among the Amazon basin, tropical Asia, and Africa are still mostly "personal communication" citations,

even for vertebrates, In other words, unlike comparison between temperate and tropical areas, these

patterns are still in the documentation phase.

In documenting geographical variation in butterfly diversity, some arbitrary, practical decisions are

made. Diversity, number of species, and species richness are used synonymously; little is known about

the evenness of butterfly distribution. The New World butterflies make up the preponderance of examples

because they are the most familiar species. It is hoped that by focusing on them, the errors generated by

imperfect and incomplete taxonomy will be minimized.

Question 1. The word "consequence" in line 2 is closest in meaning to

.

A. result

B. explanation

C. analysis

D. requirement

Question 2. The word "striking" in line 7 is closest in meaning to

.

A. physical

B. confusing

C. noticeable

D. successful

Question 3. Butterflies are a good example for communicating information about conservation issues

because they

.

A. are simple in structure

B. are viewed positively by people

C. have been given scientific names

D. are found mainly in temperate climates

Question 4. The word “exceed” in line 10 is closest in meaning to

.

A. locate

B. allow

C. go beyond

D. come close to

Question 5. Which of the following is NOT well understood by biologists?

A. European butterfly habitats

B. Differences in species richness between temperate and tropical regions

C. Differences in species richness within a temperate or a tropical region

D. Comparisons of behavior patterns of butterflies and certain animal groups