题目内容：

    A recent study conducted by researchers from Canada's Wilfrid Laurier University found that the snakes actively seek out socialization with their peers （同伴），but also they are extremely particular about who they spend time with. However, snakes used to be thought of as solitary animals. They are seldom seen hanging out in groups.

A team of researchers led by Morgan Skinner and Dr. Noam Miller selected 40 non-poisonous garter snakes （袜带蛇）. Ten were purchased from a snake keeper and the rest were caught in the wild. After marking each snake with a spot of color to allow for easy identification, the researchers placed ten snakes inside each of the four plastic shelters.

Skinner photographed each snake group twice a day before removing them from their shelters. After cleaning the areas thoroughly to rid them of any familiar smells, the reptiles were rearranged into different groups, and returned to the enclosure. A camera fixed over the shelters allowed the scientists to track the animals' movements for a total of eight days.

When Skinner and Miller analyzed the images, they found that regardless of where they were placed, the snakes always slipped back to their origin al "friends" forming groups of three or eight inside the small shelters. “They can tell others apart,” Miller said.

Gordon Burghardt, a biologist, says, "The study should help convince people that snakes have more social intelligence than most of us realize."

Miller believes the research could help with snake protection efforts. Endangered snake species relocated to safer habitats often leave these areas. Now, conservationists may be able to avoid that by transferring entire snake groups to the new location. Alternatively, they could also spray （喷洒）the new habitat with the species' smells to make transplants feel at “home."

1.What does the underlined word "solitary" mean in paragraph 1?

A.Causing fear. B.Existing only in small numbers.

C.Causing death or illness. D.Enjoying being alone.

2.What can we learn from the last paragraph?

A.The findings can contribute to snake conservation.

B.Snakes like to spray smells on the trees.

C.Snakes are easy to adapt to new locations.

D.Snakes tend to stay in safer habitats.

3.Which of the following proverbs can be used to describe the findings?

A.Barking dogs don't bite. B.The early bird catches worms.

C.Things of one kind come together. D.A friend in need is a friend in deed.

4.In which section of a newspaper may this text appear?

A.Entertainment. B.Science.

C.Education. D.Health.