雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

In today's lecture, we'll discuss the impact of urbanization on local ecosystems. One key point is that cities often create 'heat islands' due to concrete and asphalt absorbing sunlight. However, a lesser-known effect is on bird migration patterns. A study in Chicago found that artificial lights at night disorient migratory birds, causing them to circle buildings for hours. This delays their journey and increases energy expenditure. Interestingly, the study also noted that birds are more attracted to red lights than blue ones, which suggests that changing street lighting could reduce these disruptions. So, while we often focus on temperature changes, light pollution is equally significant.