普通高中课程标准实验教科书 英语选修9 Unit 3 Using Language

　　Reading and discussing

　　Before you read the following text, read the title and look at the pictures. Discuss with a partner what you expect to read about in the text.

　　AUSTRALIA’S DANGEROUS CREATURES

　　Australia is home to more than 170 different kinds of snake and 115 of these are poisonous. In fact, Australia has more kinds of venomous snake than any other country in the world. Luckily, the poison of most snakes can kill or paralyze only small creatures.A few varieties, however, can kill humans, so it is just as well that snakes are very shy and usually attack only if they are disturbed and feel threatened.

　　There are also approximately 2,000 different kinds of spider in Australia and, like snakes, most have a poisonous bite. However, the majority have no effect on humans or cause only mild sickness.Only a few have venom that is powerful enough to kill a human being. While a small number of Australians are bitten by spiders each year, most recover without any medical treatment.

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