Some animals have long since decided that brains weren’t necessary. BBC Future suggests that sponges evolved to lose their brains over time, as they offered no tangible benefits.

But what about humans? We are the most intelligent species on Earth. We have tamed the natural environment, developed incredible technologies, and settled across almost every corner of the planet. But all this may be exacerbating the problem for other species.

Gonzalez-Suarez says: "It is our collective responsibility as scientists who study megafauna to act to prevent their decline." Time to put our big brains to good use.

词汇表 asset 长处，优点

brainy 有头脑的，聪明的

go from strength to strength 不断壮大，从强大变得更强

grey matter（口语）大脑，智力

downside 不利之处

gestational period 妊娠期

offspring 后代，子孙

young 动物的幼小后代

trait 特质，特征

mortality 死亡率

precarious 危险的，不确定的

to poach 偷猎

habitat 动物的栖息地，生存环境

to evolve 进化

species 物种

to tame 控制，驾驭

to exacerbate 使恶化，使加剧

megafauna 巨型动物群

测验与练习 1.  阅读课文并回答问题。

1. Why are big brains 'expensive'?

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