A
Horses are certainly a marvel (奇异的事物) of creation. They are extremely strong and interact with their environment through their senses. Compared to us, they see better, hear better, have a better sense of smell, and can feel the smallest insect on their bodies.
Hearing
Horses have excellent hearing, better than that of humans. They can focus one ear on the rider and one ear on something else. Noise created by traffic, wind, and other distractions (分心的事物) can greatly affect their hearing, and cause horses to become scared. Though horses in more complex environments can be used to disturbing noises after repeated exposure to (暴露于) them, all these sounds and many others can scare horses unfamiliar with them, making it difficult for riders to keep control.
Smell
Horses have an excellent sense of smell, much better than that of humans. They may use smell to find their way back. and they can tell differences in the smell of water. Most horses are happy to drink muddy water from a puddle (水坑) because it has a natural smell, but they may refuse to drink from an unfamiliar source. Many riders travel with an old water bucket so their horses will welcome water in the campground.
Touch
Horses are so sensitive to touch that they can feel a fly land on a single hair. Slight pressure from a rider’s legs can guide a horse forward and anything touching its body hair can alert (使警觉) the animal to trouble.
Curiosity
Some horses are exceptionally curious. Their curiosity leads them to explore anything new in their environment. They smell, push, move, pick up, or play with new objects within their reach. They may use their teeth or kneel to reach underneath fences for something they want.
21．The underlined word “scared” in Paragraph 2 probably means “_____”.
A．puzzled B．frightened C．curious D．calm
22．Riders are advised to travel with an old water bucket because _____.
A．their horses prefer to drink from a puddle
B．there isn’t enough water in the campground
C．water with a familiar smell is welcomed by their horses
D．their horses need a familiar smell to find their way back
23．How will horses do when they are curious about something outside their fences?
A. They try their best to reach the thing. B. They use their feet to touch the thing.
C. They focus their eyes on the thing. D. They struggle to get out of their fences.
24．What’s the best title for the passage?
A．Comparison between horses’ senses and humans’ B．How horses use their hearing and smell
C. Why horses are called a marvel of creation D. A brief introduction to horses’ senses
