The National Geographic Society has funded research into our natural world for more than a century. Though the organization is most famous for its investigations into wildlife, National Geographic has also helped people understand astronomy▼, geology▼, our oceans, and threats or challenges to the health of our planet, by sending scientists, adventurers, and photographers out into the wilderness▼. Paul Nicklen, an experienced photographer, was supported by National Geographic to film the rarely seen wildlife of the Arctic▼ and Antarctic regions. One of his encounters there is hard to believe, but since he documented it on film, it cannot be disputed.
While working with his camera in frigid Antarctic waters, Nicklen came face to face with an enormous leopard seal▼. These huge sea mammals▼ are considered a top predator in their environment. Fearsome stories involving their hunting skills paint them as vicious, bloodthirsty▼ killers of other seals and penguins. Just imagine how Nicklen felt as one particularly large female leopard seal seemed to want to swallow him, his video camera, and some of his scuba diving▼ equipment in a single bite. He was certain this was the end.
Amazingly, the seal swam off, but she soon returned with a live penguin, which she tried to stuff into Nicklen's camera, perhaps thinking it was the mouth of a weird sea creature. Nicklen later said, "She realized that I was this useless predator in her ocean... she started to bring me weak penguins, then dead penguins." For four days, every time Nicklen returned to his filming duties in the water, the same female leopard seal followed him, attempting to feed him. Not only does he have the candid footage▼, but he also has quite a story to go along with it. -------------------------------------------------------------------
1. According to the article, which of these statements about the National Geographic Society is true?
(A) It has been researching the Arctic and Antarctic for more than a century.
(B) It has dealt exclusively with finding out more about Earth's wildlife.
(C) It has encouraged the exploration and documentation of our natural world.
(D) It is the only non-governmental organization to have studied the Arctic and Antarctic.
------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. According to the article, why did the leopard seal try to feed a penguin to Nicklen's camera?
(A) She may have mistaken Nicklen's camera for his mouth.
(B) She wanted to show Nicklen what kind of food he should provide for her.
(C) She was using the penguin to threaten Nicklen.
(D) She was trying to feed Nicklen to the penguin.
------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. How did Nicklen finally interpret the leopard seal's behavior?
(A) As an act of mercy and generosity.
(B) As a vicious act of deadly aggression.
(C) As a case of mistaking his identity for that of a penguin.
(D) As a warning to leave the area at once.
------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Due to Paul Nicklen's experience, what viewpoint may be changed?
(A) The Arctic and Antarctic have too little wildlife to be of interest.
(B) Global warming has influenced the Arctic and Antarctic the most.
(C) There are more female leopard seals than male ones.
(D) Leopard seals are vicious, bloodthirsty man-eaters.
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