1. (2022·宝鸡模拟) 阅读理解

The loss of natural land isn't just a problem for the Amazon or the rainforests of Southeast Asia. The United States is losing its forests, grasslands, wetlands, and deserts at a truly startling pace.

Between 2001 and 2017, some 97, 124 square kilometers of natural land-around the size of Indiana- were destroyed in the US to make way for roads, industry, farms, and other signs of human civilization. That's equal to a football field-sized piece of land being lost every 30 seconds. Some of the most serious losses have been experienced in the South and Midwest, where human development took over 47 percent and 59 percent of all land area, respectively, in the 16 years studied.

These findings come from a report published by The Center for American Progress.

Using available satellite data and open- source databases, they calculated the rate of loss of natural lands and its relationship to oil and gas extraction(开采), road construction, urban development, agriculture, and other human- related activities. If national trends continue, a South Dakota- sized expanse of forests, wetlands, and wild places in the continental United States will disappear by 2050.

Now only 12 percent of the country's land area has been conserved as national parks, wilderness areas, national monuments, or other protected areas, while 26 percent of ocean are a is safeguarded from oil and gas extraction. According to this report, it's now time to extend this level of protection even further.

Keeping in line with present scientific recommendations, they conclude that the US should aim to protect at least 30 percent of lands and oceans in a natural state by 2030.

However, it isn't all about desperation. The authors conclude on a remarkably optimistic note (well, relatively optimistic for an environmental report, at least)."The United States is entering new times when it will rely more than ever on the integrity (完整) and stability of the natural world to provide economic boom, safeguard the health of communities, and weather (平安渡过) the effects of a changing climate," they write.

1. （1） What does the underlined word "startling" in paragraph 1 probably mean?

   A . Slow. B . Steady. C . Fixed. D . Astonishing.
3. （2） What is the new report based on?

   A . The authors' own experience. B . The history of human civilization. C . Satellite data and open- source databases. D . Comparison of America's past and present natural land.
5. （3） Which of the following should be US's goal by 2030?

   A . To protect all America's forests and wetlands. B . To protect at least 30% of America's lands and oceans. C . To protect 12 percent of America's land area. D . To protect 26 percent of America's ocean area.
7. （4） What's the author's purpose of writing the text?

   A . To appeal to people to protect forest and natural land. B . To present the problems faced by the Amazon. C . To state the necessity of building national parks. D . To criticize some practices of the US government.