While dogs are often praised for being loyal and the go-to choice for security, another creature offers a surprisingly effective alternative: the goose. These highly territorial birds have sharp senses, including keen eyesight and hearing. They can be conditioned to recognize people and __1__ familiar and unfamiliar individuals. Compared to dogs, geese are cost-effective solutions for guarding large areas because they don’t require daily walks or special __2__. History has demonstrated their effectiveness in security roles.
Back in 390 BC during a surprise attack by the Gauls, the Romans were caught off guard. A __3__ of geese was disturbed by the Gauls’ movement and started honking and flapping their wings. Their alarm awakened the Romans, who managed to __4__ the invaders.
雖然狗狗常因忠誠而獲得讚揚，還是安全防範的首選，但另一種生物提供了意外有效的替代選擇：鵝。這些具有高度地盤意識的鳥類擁有靈敏的感官，包含敏銳的視力和聽覺。牠們可以被訓練來辨識人們，並分辨熟識與不熟識之人。與狗相比，鵝是守衛大面積區域的經濟實惠之選，因為牠們不需要每天散步或特別訓練。歷史已經證明了牠們作為守衛角色的有效性。
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回首西元前 390 年，當時高盧人在羅馬人毫無防備的情況下發起了一場突襲，羅馬人措手不及。有一群鵝被高盧人的動靜驚擾，便開始鳴叫、振翅。牠們驚嚇之下的反應喚醒了羅馬人，羅馬人因而得以擊退入侵者。
Words in Use
1. loyal a. 忠誠的，忠心的
Photo: AdobeStock 照片：AdobeStock
Dogs have been loyal companions to humans for thousands of years.
數千年來，狗狗一直是人類忠誠的夥伴。
2. alternative n. 替代方案，選擇
My doctor suggested that I spend one month in physical therapy as an alternative to surgery.
我的醫師建議我進行一個月的物理治療以替代手術。
3. territorial a.（動物）有地盤意識的
Birds are territorial, so they chase away creatures that come close to their nests.
鳥類具地盤意識，所以牠們會趕跑靠近巢穴的生物。
Practical Phrases
1. on patrol 巡邏
patrol n. & vt. 巡邏
The policeman is on patrol every night.
這名警察每天晚上都會巡邏。
2. be conditioned to V 被訓練做……
condition vt.（透過訓練）使習慣
Athletes are conditioned to overcome physical pain and exhaustion to achieve success.
運動員經過訓練，能克服身體的疼痛和疲憊以獲得成功。
3. catch sb off guard 趁某人不備；
使某人措手不及
I was caught off guard when my parents told me they were getting a divorce.
當父母告訴我他們要離婚時，我感到措手不及。
To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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