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Read the following passage and choose the correct answer.
The Chinstrap penguin has a cap of black plumage, a white face, and a continuous band of black feathers extending from one side of the head to the other, the "chinstrap." The northern part
of the Antarctic Peninsula, several Antarctic and subantarctic islands, and the uninhabited Balleny Islands between Antarctica and New Zealand are the habitats of the species.
Antarctic penguin colonies in some parts of the Antarctic have declined over the last 50 years, mostly because of climate change, researchers say. The colonies of Chinstrap penguins, also
known as ringed or bearded penguins, have dramatically dropped since they were last surveyed almost 50 years ago, scientists discovered. The findings became surprising because, until
now, the Chinstraps have been deemed of "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). "We really didn't know what to expect, and then we found this huge
decline on Elephant Island." Noah Strycker, an ornithologist and penguin researcher at Stony Brook University. told CNN from Greenpeace's Esperanza ship in the Antarctic. "It's a little bit
worrying as it means that something is shifting in the ecosystem and the fall in penguin numbers is reflecting that shift."
Elephant Island's penguin colonies experienced a significant population decline. Last surveyed in 1971, the total of 122,550 penguin pairs decreased to 52,786, a drop of almost 60%. The
colony known as Chinstrap Camp had the most substantial decline at 77%. Following record-breaking temperatures in the Antarctic, with 18.3°C (64.94°F) on February 6. scientists published
a new study. The previous high was 17.5°C (63.5°F) in March 2015. Temperature readings were taken at Argentina's Esperanza research station.
Climate change has reduced sea ice and warmed oceans, leading to a decrease in krill, the penguins' main food source. This has affected the entire food chain, including penguins, seals.
and whales, which all rely on krill. Researchers suggest that climate change is the underlying cause of significant penguin declines and fundamental changes in the Southern Ocean's
ecosystem over the past 50 years.
In contrast, there is positive news regarding an increase in the Gentoo penguin population in neighboring colonies beyond Elephant Island. Gentoo penguins, a species from further north,
are colonizing the Antarctic Peninsula and increasing in numbers.
The Greenpeace ship Esperanza is actively documenting global ocean threats and supporting scientists in their research. The researchers, from Stony Brook University and Northeastern
University, surveyed significant but lesser-known Chinstrap penguin colonies on Low Island in the South Shetland Islands. Results are pending. Greenpeace is advocating for the
establishment of three Antarctic sanctuaries to protect the surveyed colonies, ensuring they are off-limits to humans.
Louisa Casson, Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner, said in a statement: "Penguins are an iconic species, but this new research shows how the climate emergency is decimating their numbers
and having far-reaching impacts on wildlife in the most remote comers of Earth. This is a critical year for our oceans. "Governments must respond to the science and agree on a strong
Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations this spring that can create a network of ocean sanctuaries to protect marine life and help these creatures adapt to our rapidly changing climate."
1) What distinguishes the Chinstrap penguin's appearance?
A. a continuous black band around its neck
B. its entirely white plumage
C. a cap of black plumage with a white face and chinstrap
D. a black body with a white chinstrap
2) According to the article, what is the primary reason for the decline in Chinstrap penguin populations?
A. overfishing of krill
B. climate change
Chuman hunting
