Known locally as “water monsters,” axolotls have somewhat polarizing looks. For some, theyare considered adorable for the appearance of a perpetual smile； for others, these four-toedamphibians are just plain odd. Scientists are particularly interested in axolotls’ ability to regeneratecells and body parts and seeking to apply such a quality to heal injuries, illnesses, or human organs.Some axolotl species transform themselves into earth-walking salamanders by losing theirtadpole-like tails and gills from their heads. However, those who never transform into salamanderswill keep the tail and live completely underwater. In fact, there is little reason to undergotransformation because they have fewer predators and more food in the water.
       Because of their nature to change form, axolotls are recognized as a representation of Xolotl, godof the underworld in Aztec culture. Legend has it that when various gods were asked to make asacrifice to create the world, Xolotl fled into the water. For his cowardice and reluctance to help, hewas damned to live forever in the water and denied transcendence into a higher realm.
       The axolotl, though gaining attraction as a symbol of Mexico City, is nearly extinct in the wilddue to water pollution in the city’s troubled canals and increases in invasive fish species which feedon young axolotls. Environmental threats to axolotls include agricultural waste, pollution fromindustrial fertilizers, as well as non-native plants and fish species such as carp and tilapia, which wereintroduced by the government to supply food to rural areas. While keeping axolotls as pets aroundthe world is legal, it may not help the species. As they live in still water lakes and lagoons, thetemperatures tend not to fluctuate as quickly as they can in captivity, and thus making captivity aserious undertaking.
【題組】36. What does the underlined sentence in Paragraph 1 mean?
(A) Axolotls have various appearances.
(B) Axolotls have mysterious appearances.
(C) Axolotls may change appearances with the environment.
(D) People are curious about axolotls’ appearances.
(E) People have completely opposite opinions about axolotls’ appearances.