There are two kinds of squirrels (松鼠) in the UK: the red squirrel and the grey squirrel. However, the population of red squirrels has become smaller since the last century. This is mainly because grey squirrels have made the life of red squirrels more difficult. Grey squirrels are bigger and stronger, so they are better at competing for food and areas to live. Grey squirrels also carry a virus (病毒). This virus doesn’t harm grey squirrels, but it can be dangerous for red squirrels.

However, scientists have developed a system (系统) to help boost red squirrel numbers. And it uses artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a computer that has learned from experience and can do things that usually need human intelligence. The AI system has been trained to look at photos of squirrels and tell red squirrels from grey squirrels. The aim of the system is to help red squirrels by giving them more food, while stopping grey squirrel population from getting even bigger. To stop grey squirrel population getting bigger, the AI system can offer grey squirrels a kind of special food that stops them having babies. Scientists check the AI has recognized grey squirrels properly. 

What’s the next? Scientists think the AI could be also taught to recognize squirrels by their whiskers (胡须). This could help scientists follow squirrels more closely. For example, if a red squirrel gets sick, the AI could let scientists know quickly.

With the help of AI, the number of red squirrels might rise soon. “This isn’t just about squirrels,” Dr. Smith, a wildlife scientist, says. “It’s also about learning to protect wildlife with technology.”

1.1. What does the underlined word “boost” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A Study

B Count

C Control

D Increase

解析：选D。D 词义猜测题 该词所在的句子是“... to help boost red squirrel numbers.” 其后的内容，包括“The aim... is to help red squirrels...”以及全文都在讨论如何帮助濒危的红松鼠增加数量。最后一段首句也呼应说“With the help of AI, the number of red squirrels might rise soon.” 因此，“boost”与“increase”和“rise”同义，意为“增加、提升”。其他选项均不符合语境。

2.2. What can the AI system do to protect red squirrels according to the passage? ① Give red squirrels more food. ② Recognize red squirrels in the photos. ③ Help red squirrels look for new areas to live in. ④ Give grey squirrels special food for population control.

A ①②③

B ①②④

C ①③④

D ②③④

解析：选B。B 细节理解题 需要逐一核对文中提到的AI系统的具体功能： ① 给红松鼠更多食物：第二段明确提到“The aim... is to help red squirrels by giving them more food...” 正确。 ② 在照片中识别红松鼠：第二段提到“The AI system has been trained... to tell red squirrels from grey squirrels.” 要完成区别对待，必须先能识别。正确。 ③ 帮助红松鼠寻找新的栖息地：文中未提及此项功能。 ④ 给灰松鼠特殊食物以控制其数量：第二段明确提到“To stop grey squirrel population... the AI system can offer grey squirrels a kind of special food that stops them having babies.” 正确。 因此，包含①、②、④的选项B正确。

3.3. How does the writer begin Paragraph 3?

A By reporting a result.

B By giving an example.

C By asking a question.

D By using an old saying.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题 第三段以“What’s the next?”这个问句开头，引出对AI系统未来应用的展望。这是一种通过提出问题来引导读者注意、并自然过渡到下文新内容的写作手法。

4.4. What is the main purpose of the passage?

A To show how technology helps save animals in danger.

B To compare the living habits of red and grey squirrels.

C To describe how AI helps scientists study squirrel whiskers.

D To explain why grey squirrels are dangerous for red squirrels.

解析：选A。A 主旨大意题 全文围绕如何用AI技术保护濒危红松鼠这一核心展开。第一段提出问题（红松鼠濒危），第二、三段详细介绍AI系统如何工作及未来应用，第四段点明科技保护野生动物的意义。因此，文章的主要目的是展示科技如何帮助拯救濒危动物。B选项（比较习性）和D选项（解释原因）只是第一段的内容，不全面。C选项（描述AI如何帮助研究胡须）是第三段的一个具体细节，不是文章主旨。