The scientists placed underwater speakers in areas where coral had been dying in Australia's northern Great Barrier Reef.They played certain sounds over a period of about 6 weeks and studied the results.The team reported that twice as many fish arrived in areas where the sounds of healthy coral were played.Among the arriving fish were species that feed on all major food sources.
The researchers noted the importance of having many different kinds of fish return to the area.Different species of fish perform many activities that support the ocean environment and sea life. "Damaged reefs have a higher chance of recovery if they have healthy fish population," the scientists wrote in the report.
Steve Simpson said that "healthy coral reefs are remarkably noisy places." They contain the sounds of many kinds of shrimp,fish and other sea creatures.Young fish listen for these sounds when they are looking for a place to settle.He added that reefs "become ghostly quiet" when they suffer destruction that is usually related to human-caused pollution.Coral damage can cause unappealing smells and sounds that drive shrimp and fish away.
Mark Meekan is a fish biologist.He said that the return of these fish is the first step to seeing major improvements in reef health."Recovery is underpinned by fish that clean the reef and create space for corals to regrow," he said.Tim Gordon says he believes sound can be used to bring back dead coral in areas suffering major destruction in oceans across the world.
University of Bristol professor Andy Radford said the underwater sounds are a promising way to fight coral reef damage at the local community level.But he noted that other threats need to be reduced as well.These include climate change,pollution and overfishing.From local management innovations to international political action,we need meaningful progress at all levels to paint a better future for reefs worldwide.



Why did researchers attract fish by playing sounds underwater？ ______

A. To study the population of fish.
B. To catch fish as major food sources.
C. To recover damaged reefs naturally.
D. To record the sounds of healthy corals.

How did Steve explain the coral reefs？ ______

A. By presenting the research results.
B. By making comparisons.
C. By listing some specific data.
D. By giving some examples.

What does the underlined word "underpinned" in Para.4 mean？ ______

A. Destroyed.
B. Affected.
C. Supported.
D. Attacked.

What does Professor Andy stress？ ______

A. Reef needs protection at all levels.
B. Climate change is more serious than reef damage.
C. Overfishing threatens world coral reef.
D. Pollution needs international political action.