听一分钟英文：Whales-鲸鱼

Whales are absolutely beautiful creatures. It's amazing to think how big they are. But I guess they're a tiny dot when they're in the ocean. I think whales are among the most interesting animals on Earth. Are they animals or fish? I know they are mammals¹, so I guess that might make them animals. One day, I really want to go whale watching. I think it's one of those must-do things in life. I suppose I'd better do this soon before all the whales die out. I worry about the future of whales. It seems humans are doing everything they can to make lots of species² extinct³. Some countries take part in whaling and others destroy the oceans so whales can't eat. One day, we'll only see dead whales in museums.

1 mammals   

n.哺乳动物( mammal的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Whales belong among the mammals. 鲸鱼属于哺乳动物。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Most mammals live on land. 大多数哺乳动物生活在陆地上。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 species   

n.物种，种群

参考例句：

• Are we the only thinking species in the whole of creation?我们是万物中惟一有思想的物种吗？
• This species of bird now exists only in Africa.这种鸟现在只存在于非洲。

3 extinct   

adj.灭绝的，不再活跃的，熄灭了的，已废弃的

参考例句：

• All hopes were extinct.所有希望都破灭了。
• Dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years.恐龙绝种已有几百万年了。