阅读材料:
In the 1950s Torreya Taxifolia, a type of evergreen tree once very common in the state of Florida started to die out. No one is sure exactly what caused the decline, but chances are good that if nothing is done, Torreya will soon become extinct. Experts are considering three ways to address the decline of Torreya.
在佛罗里达州,佛罗里达香榧是一种非常常见的常绿乔木。从1950年代开始,佛罗里达香榧数量开始减少,并濒于灭绝。目前尚不清楚导致其濒危的确切原因,但是如果不采取任何行动的话,香榧很可能会灭绝。目前,专家们提出了三个方式去解决香榧数量下降。
The first option is to reestablish Torreya in the same location in which it thrived for thousands of years. Torreya used to be found in abundance in the northern part of Florida, which has a specific microclimate. A microclimate exists when weather conditions inside a relatively small area differs from the region of which that area is a part. Northern Florida’s microclimate is very favorable to Torreya’s growth. This microclimate is wetter and cooler than the surrounding region’s relatively dry, warm climate. Scientists have been working to plant Torreya seeds in the coolest, dampest areas of the microclimate.
第一个选择是把香榧重新种植在它们已经茂盛生长数千年的原生长地。在拥有特殊微气候的北佛罗里达,香榧树曾经数量众多。所谓微气候是指在一片独立区域内,内部一小部分地区的气候状况同该区域有区别。而被佛罗里达的微气候非常时候香榧的生长。该地区同周围干热的气候不同,是非常潮湿和凉爽的。科学家计划在拥有最冷和最潮湿微气候的地区种植香榧。
The second option is to move Torreya to an entirely different location, far from its Florida microclimate. Torrey seeds and saplings have been successfully plated and growth in forests further north, where the temperature is significantly cooler. Some scientists believe that Torreya probably thrived in areas much further north in the distant past, so by relocating it now, in a process known as assisted migration, humans would simply be helping Torreya return to an environment that is more suited to its survival.
第二个选择是把香榧移植到完全不同的地区,该地区远离其原生的微气候。目前,香榧的种子和幼苗在佛罗里达州北部很远的地方可以生长,那里相对来说冷很多。有些科学家相信在离原生地很远的北方,香榧或许可以茂盛生长。所以,如果现在进行辅助迁移,也就是说把香榧移到北方,那么人们可能就这么简单地帮助香榧重新找到适合它们生存的环境。
The third option is to preserve Torreya in research centers. Seeds and saplings can be moved from the wild and preserved in a closely monitored environment where it will be easier for scientists both to protect the species and conduct research on Torreya. This research can then be used to ensure the continued survival of the species.
第三个选择是把香榧保存在研究中心。把种子和幼苗从野外移植并保护在研究中心这样一个严格人工监视的环境里。这样,既方便科学家的保护该物种,同时也方便研究香榧。而所进行的研究可以有助于该物种持续的存活发展。