新概念英语初中早读 （17）动植物间的差异
Differences Between Plants and Animals
动植物间的差异
There are several characteristics which distinguish plants from animals.
有许多特征可将植物和动物区分开来。
Generally speaking, plants are able to manufacture their own food,
一般来说，植物可以自己生成它们的食物。
by using substances in the environment through the process
它们可以用环境中的物质来实现这一点，
which is known as photosynthesis.
这就是光合作用。
They can grow very well if they have enough sunshine, rainfall and fertilizer.
它们便能茁壮成长，如果有充足的阳光，雨水和肥料。
In contrast,all animals,including man,
相比之下，动物，包括人在内，
get their food either directly from the plants
要么直接从植物那里获取植物，
or indirectly by eating animals which feed on plants or other animals.
要么间接地从一植物或其他动物为生的动物那里获取食物，
Animals,therefore, need a wider range of food than plants.
因此，动物比植物更需要更广泛的食物。
Plants are stationary.They do not have the power to move.
植物是静止的，它们没有移动能力，而动物却可以四处移动。
Animals,on the other hand,can usually move about.
而动物却可以四处移动。
Consequently,plants appear to be less sensitive than animals
因此，它们没有动物那么敏感，
although they respond in some ways to light, heat, physical contact and other stimuli.
虽然植物也以某种方式对光，热，接触及其他刺激作出反应。
Plants are usually green.
植物一般为绿色。
Animals,however,are very diverse in external appearance.
而动物的外表色泽则五花八门。
They may appear in any color you can think of.
它们可以是你能想象的任何颜色。