题目内容：

With more large solar farms being developed in the sunny southwestern United States, researchers and conservationists alike are beginning to notice surprising environmental effects. While solar energy is known for its positive environmental impacts, officials at the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory have come to recognize one of its significant downsides: Some specks of birds that live close to large solar plants (太阳能板) are dying off, including endangered birds.

A recent federal investigation recovered 233 birds that had been killed as a direct result of solar plants. Researchers believe that some of the affected birds have mistaken the large, reflective areas of the solar panels for bodies of water. This is a phenomenon referred to by scientists as “lake effect.” The birds are drawn to what they assume to be water. They aim for the area and slam into the panels with great force. It is thought that the insects that birds cat fall victim to “lake effect” as well, leading the birds into the panels.

Researchers figure that between 1,000 and 28,000 birds are killed as a result of harvesting solar energy. The number of birds affected by wind farming is much greater, ranging from 140,000 to 328,000. Coal-fired electricity has the largest negative effect on birds, killing nearly 8 million a year. These numbers make solar farming seem like the best option. However, conservationists are quick to point out that areas where solar is expected to boom between 2015 and 2020 are home to some of the rarest birds in the United States. This could put specific bird species at risk of extinction.

There exists a state order in California that 20 percent of all electricity of all energy sold should be renewable by the year 2017. This has been one driving force behind the rapid development of huge solar farms. The industry, which is expected to boom as a result of this change to renewable energy, is facing newly filed lawsuits (起诉) by conservationist groups. These lawsuits could slow down the approval process for the planned solar development across the Southwest.

1.What can we infer from paragraph 1?

A. Solar farms require a long development period.

B. Most people would be shocked by the size of solar farms.

C. Solar energy equipment looks strange to most people.

D. Most people think that solar energy is very beneficial.

2.The underlined word “slam” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to       .

A. dash    B. break

C. move    D. slide

3.Which of the following best reflects the author’s viewpoint?

A. Using solar farms is the most practical way to create energy.

B. More birds are endangered by solar farms than wind farming.

C. Solar farms may not be as friendly to the environment as expected.

D. Ways should be found to reduce “lake effect” caused by solar farms.