C

      A world like no other--perhaps this is the best way to describe the world of the rainforest. No rainforest is the same-yet most rainforests can be found in the small land area 22. 5 degrees north and 22. 5 degrees south of the Equator(赤道). You can find rainforests in South America and Indonesia. Other rainforests exist further from the Equator, in Thailand and Sri Lanka.

      Rainforests have a great role to play in supporting the world. They are home to a rich variety of plants, birds and animals. Can you believe that 480 varieties of trees may be found in just one hectare (公顷) of rainforest? These forests have around 50% of all the plants, birds and animals on Earth.

      Rainforests have their own perfect way for living. The tall trees make a huge umbrella of branches and leaves which protect themselves, smaller plants, and the forest animals from heavy rain,dry heat from the sun and strong winds. Rainforest trees grow in such a way that their leaves and branches, although close together, never actually touch those of another tree. Scientists think this is a way to prevent the spread of any tree diseases and make life more difficult for leaf-eating insects (昆虫). To live in the forest, animals must climb, jump, or fly across the branches and trees.The ground floor of the forest is not all leaves and bushes, like in films, but is actually fairly clear. It is where leaves become food for the trees and other forest life.

      Rainforests around the world are disappearing at a high speed. A few thousand years ago, rainforests covered as much as 12% of the land surface on Earth, but today this has fallen to less than 5.3%. We hope that the world governments work together with scientists to use their power and knowledge to keep the rainforests for our existence.

      43. According to the text, we can find rainforests in ______ .

      A. Britain B. Thailand C. Canada D. U.S.A

      44. Why are rainforests important to the world?

      A. They can provide food for different kinds of insects.

      B. They can lower the temperature around the Equator.

      C. They are home to various kinds of plants and animals.

      D. They produce the best wood for house building.

      45. What can be seen in a rainforest according to the text?

      A Leaves and branches of a tree never actually touch those of the other trees.

      B. Tree diseases make life more difficult for leaf-eating insects.

      C. Tall trees protect themselves from forest animals with their branches.

      D. The ground floor is all covered by leaves and branches.

      46.How much of the land surface on Earth is covered by rainforests?

      A. More than 50%. B. Nearly 12%.

      C. Less than 5.3%. D. Around 22. 5%.