▲ 閱讀下文，回答第 39 － 42 題 Taiwan supplies a third of the world’s orchids. As Taiwan’s top flower exports, orchids brought in export earnings of NT$7 billion in 2023. The most popular export variety is Taiwan’s unique moth orchids (蝴蝶蘭). Often used as gifts or for displays, moth orchids come in different shapes and colors. Taiwan’s orchid industry emerged in the 1980s. It has flourished with the use of greenhouse farming. In fact, flower exports increased tenfold between 1995 and 2008. In 2007, Taiwan lost its top position in the global flower market to the Netherlands. To cope with this challenge, Taiwan growers worked hard to make themselves different from their competitors. They began focusing on the export of orchid seedlings, young orchid plants that have just grown from seeds. In 2018, Taiwan exported about NT$ 4.5 billion worth of moth orchid seedlings to over 80 countries. The large diversity of native orchids on the island enables the creation of many commercial varieties. Growers mix different native species to develop a new variety. Taiwan has the largest concentration of orchid greenhouse growing and related services in the world. Taiwan growers’ achievements have gained worldwide recognition. In 2024, Taiwan hosted the World Orchid Conference for the first time. The main topics centered on Orchid Technology and Conservation & Preservation. The orchid industry in Taiwan uses high-tech farming and advanced technology. On the other hand, more needs to be done in conservation and preservation. The source of moth orchids for creating new varieties is decreasing. Native species have gradually disappeared from the wild. The orchid industry realized that ecological protection goes hand in hand with economic growth. This was the aim of a volunteer program that began in 2018 to replant native species in nature. Given time, orchids may not only decorate homes but also enrich Taiwan’s forest ecosystem.