The Komodo lizard¹ is the world's largest lizard(蜥蜴). It was not discovered until this century and was named only in 1921. It was formerly² found on three Indonesian islands: Komodo, Rintja and Flores. By the 1930's, in spite³ of government protection, the population of this great lizard had been reduced to a few hundred. It was, however, still found on the three main islands and there were still lizards⁴ of over 4 metres in length. By 1963, after a period of only fifty years since its discovery, the entire population was based on Komodo. It is now unusual to see one as long as 3 metres. The lizard's normal food consists mainly of wild goats and pigs, animals which the islanders also hunt. This, of course, means that the lizard often gets too little to eat. It will certainly die out soon its hunting and breeding(繁殖) grounds are protected more effectively.

1. The Indonesian government _____ Komodo lizards.

A. thought it necessary to protect

B. didn't think it necessary to protect

C. reduced the number of

D. killed a few hundred of

2. By 1963, the Komodo lizard could be found _____.

A. on three islands

B. only on Komodo Island

C. only on Rintja Island

D. only on Flores Island

3. Which of the following is FALSE?

A. There were only a few hundred Komodo lizards living by the 1930s.

B. Nobody knew the present name of the animal before 1921.

C. The islanders hunt too many Komodo lizards.

D. The writer worries about the Komodo lizards.　

KEY: 1. A 2. B 3. C