1 . A study led by a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology has updated the fossil (化石) record of mosquitoes (蚊子) by nearly 30 million years and has discovered that ancient male mosquitoes also fed on blood.

The study was published online on Monday in the journal Current Biology, which discovered the oldest-known mosquito fossils --- two males dating back 130 million years near the town of Hammana in Lebanon.

Dany Azar, who led the study, said the fossils not only told us the ancient origins of mosquitoes but also their feeding habits during the early stages of their growth. “We find that the mosquito group is developing, which gives us an idea about their behavior of feeding on blood” said Azar, who has been working on the subject for more than 25 years.

Before the recent findings and their study, only female mosquitoes were known to feed on blood, which they need for protein to produce their eggs. Males, which lack skin-piercing (刺入皮肤的) mouthparts, mostly feed on honey and plant juices.

“The feeding habits of insects, such as feeding on blood, are believed to have developed from their piercing mouthparts. However, studying the development of this behavior has been challenging due to the lack of insect fossil records.” Azar said.

While reexamining the mosquito fossils last year, Azar found that their unique piercing mouthparts, very similar to those of female mosquitoes today, had been kept well. Their sharp mandibles (下颌骨) gradually disappeared over the centuries.

Based on the findings, the researchers agreed that male mosquitoes fed on blood 130 million years ago. Azar, who is now a professor at the Nanjing institute, said he hopes that joint scientific explorations can be widely carried out in the future to promote more discoveries.

1. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

A．Female mosquitoes feed on blood for protein to produce eggs.

B．A minority of male mosquitoes feed on honey and plant juices.

C．Two female mosquito fossils were found near the town of Hammana.

D．Male mosquitoes have the same feeding habits as female mosquitoes.

2. According to Azar, why is the study on the development of feeding on blood challenging?

A．Because his team lacks money.

B．Because there is no talent studying it.

C．Because his team wants to study another subject.

D．Because his team is short of insect fossil records.

3. What conclusion can we draw from mosquito fossils?

A．Female mosquitoes fed on blood 130 million years ago.

B．Male mosquitoes’ sharp mouthparts gradually disappeared.

C．The mouthparts of the female mosquitoes have been kept well.

D．Male mosquitoes once shared similar mouthparts with female today.

4. What’s the article mainly about?

A．The mosquito group is developing.

B．Ancient male mosquitoes probably fed on blood.

C．The oldest-known mosquito fossils were discovered.

D．Female and male mosquitoes share similar feeding habits now.

2 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Marine (海洋的) creatures have long attracted scientists. Recently, researchers described remains discovered in northeastern Spain,     1    belonged to a turtle named Leviathanochelys aenigmatica. Living during the Cretaceous Period, the ancient turtle nearly matched the largest turtle     2    record.

Leviathanochelys swam in     3     (risk) waters. Its enemies included mosasaurs and plesiosaurs, large water creatures up to 15 meters in     4     (long). Other nearby enemies were sharks and rays. “    5     (attack) an animal of the size of Leviathanochelys possibly only could have been done by large creatures in the marine context. At that time, the large ones in the European zone were     6    (main) sharks and mosasaurs,” said Oscar Castillo, the lead writer of the study that     7    (publish) in the Southern in Scientific Reports.

Scientists found the Leviathanochelys remains near the village of Coll deNargo in Catalonia’s Alt Urgell area.    8    hiker in the Southern Pyrenees saw the bones covered by the ground. To date, researchers     9    (find) parts of the back of the shell (壳), and most of the pelvic (骨盆的) area, but no skull or tail. The bones suggest the creature had a smooth shell similar to leatherback turtles, with the shell     10    (measure) about 2.35 meters long and 2.2 meters wide.

3 . Today, interest in sustainable weddings is on the rise. And some of our decisions do not seem as unusual as they once might have. Here are some tips to help you plan a wedding that centers on using your garden and the things you grow in it.

A Sustainable location

Having a wedding outdoors means you don’t have to cope with energy costs or other concerns about a venue(场地).     1     The only thing out of your hand is the weather!

Flowers Arrangements

For many people, creating a romantic environment means having flowers. Even if you don’t have a wedding ceremony outdoors surrounded by living plants, you may wish to bring nature into your chosen wedding venue.     2     You have complete freedom to grow flowers you like in it.

Food and Drink

    3    . Not only flowers but also food for the wedding can be grown. If not, a garden lover might prepare drinks or add homegrown elements to dishes to give the event a really personal touch.

Gifts

The added extras can be prepared by using things from your garden before the big day, ranging from sweets, cookies to soaps, baskets, or other thoughtful homemade presents.     4    

Invitations

You might consider making personal and handmade invitations with natural inks, paints and even paper from plant fibers.     5     They won’t be thrown out after being read, but will serve some other functions. For example, pieces of wood cut from trees in your garden can serve as invitations as well as coasters (杯垫)after wedding.

A．Keen gardeners can go even further.

B．If you have a garden, you are already at an advantage.

C．The natural and beautiful setting of a hall can be a romantic spot.

D．You can also design your invitations that can be preserved for long.

E．Alternatively, you might send invitations that double as useful items.

F．This will make guests feel very welcome and a wedding a special occasion.

G．You’ll have more control over the event costs, in environmental and financial terms.

4 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Chaoyang Street—situated at the foot of Yantai Mountain in Yantai, Shandong Province—is a lively commercial center that epitomizes (缩影) modernity.     1     (it) establishment dates back to 1872 during the Qing Dynasty (1644—1911).

Over the years, Chaoyang Street has attracted     2     (number) famous foreign businesses and shops. The street has a diverse array of buildings, including factories, shops, banks, and entertainment venues,     3     (decorate) with signs in both Chinese and English.

In 1880, German merchants opened     4     trading company on the east side of the northern section of Chaoyang Street,     5     was the largest peanut exporter in Yantai at the time. Since then, buildings on Chaoyang Street     6     (spring) up like mushrooms after rain.

Today, the street has     7     (complete) integrated modern bars and nightclubs into its lively atmosphere. Through ongoing efforts by local government, its reputation continues to rise,     8     (gain) increased popularity.

In recognition of its cultural and tourism     9     (significant), Chaoyang Street—Yantai Mountain Cultural District—was designated (指定)     10     a national-level nighttime cultural and tourism consumption gathering area in August 2022. Chaoyang Street stands as a testament (证明) to Yantai’s continuous development, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history while embracing a modern spirit.

5 . 听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why does the woman invite the man to the beach?

A．To relax.

B．To see a whale.

C．To collect trash.

2. Who will deal with the collected garbage?

A．The community.

B．The government.

C．A recycling firm.

3. What is the woman like?

A．Generous.

B．Responsible.

C．Emotional.

6 . Nzou is one of the quiet stars of the Rhino& Elephant Conservation(保护) Programme at Imire in Zimbabwe(津巴布韦). The oldest elephant in the protected area, Nzou is around 55 years old, and has been there since she was two years old.

It is said that elephants never forget, but this special animal seems to have forgotten she is an elephant，and now thinks of herself as one of the buffaloes(水牛).

Nzou was brought to the area in the 1970s, when she lost her parents. She was encouraged to stay with the elephants. But she was happy with the buffaloes and has lived with them ever since. They could understand each other. Their relationship is amazing but not easy. Buffalo leaders are usually male(雄性的). Over the 40+ years that Nzou has been the leader, she has killed 14 young male buffalo who challenged her.

Nzou has never lost her elephant's instinct(本能) for loyalty(忠诚). One day, one of her keepers was attacked by a young male buffalo. Nzou stood over him as he waited for help to arrive, protecting him against more attacks from the buffalo.

Nzou no longer communicates with the other elephants at Imire perhaps she has forgotten how and no longer understands what they are saying. She is happy with the buffalo, and as long as they don't step out of line, she is happy and pleased to be their leader.

1. How long has Nzou been at Imire?

A．70 years.

B．55 years.

C．2 years.

D．53 years.

2. What is the relationship Nzou and the buffaloes?

A．Friends

B．Enemies

C．Leader and followers

D．Mother and children

3. Which words can best describe Nzou?

A．powerful and loyal	B．loyal and honest
C．honest and brave	D．powerful and unfriendly

4. Which makes the best main idea of the passage?

A．An elephant living with buffaloes	B．An elephant showing loyalty to her keepers
C．An elephant star in Zimbabwe	D．An elephant challenging buffaloes

7 . For 60-year-old Gao Ruyi, the proudest achievement in his life is not measured in honors or riches but in the wings of over 1, 000 swans he has rescued. Gao, former director of the wildlife rescue station in Sanmenxia, Henan province, has guarded swans and the ecosystems they live in for almost four decades. His efforts have earned him the name “Swan Dad”.

Gao Ruyi grew up near the Yellow River, China’s second-longest river. He had little connection to swans until the winter of 1988 when one day the peacefulness of the riverside was broken by gunshots. Rushing to the scene, he found that someone had opened fire on the swans. The heart-wrenching cries of four wounded swans left a deep-rooted mark on him. Since then, Gao has become a guardian of swans and a witness to the swan protection efforts along the Yellow River.

The endeavor (努力) is not without its challenges.

Gao started working at a wildlife rescue station in the Yellow River wetland in Sanmenxia in 1994. Despite their efforts, illegal activities continued. One such tragedy happened in 1998. Several wild ducks and swans were poisoned. Gao immediately called the police and provided treatment for the feathery victims. “Swans have memories,” he said, “Since the incident, nobody saw swans in the area for many years.”

Still, Gao’s passion for swan protection has never waned. He and many other “swan dads” and “swan moms” often visited nearby villages to educate residents about wildlife conservation, and encouraged them to bring sick or injured wild animals to the rescue station.

Another challenge for the birds came from the environment. Swan populations in Sanmenxia were limited in the 1990s due to severe pollution caused by mining and industrial development, said Gao. In the past decades, however, China started extensive efforts to battle pollution in the Yellow River basin, and gradually, swan populations in the Sanmenxia section began to increase. Tens of thousands of swans are flying back home, marking the start of “swan season”, as the locals affectionately call it.

1. Which of the following can best describe Gao Ruyi?

A．Peace-loving.

B．Good-tempered.

C．Hard-working.

D．Kind-hearted.

2. What did Gao Ruyi do to meet the challenges?

A．He started a wildlife rescue station.

B．He educated people to raise awareness.

C．He cured sick or injured wild swans.

D．He worked with government to fight pollution.

3. What does the underlined word “waned” most probably mean?

A．Recovered.

B．Expanded.

C．Benefited.

D．Declined.

4. What is the best title for this text?

A．Yellow River Birds Saved by “Swan Dad”

B．Illegal Activities Done to Swans Continue

C．Yellow River Pollution Problems Solved by Government

D．“Swan Season” Is Witnessed in Sanmenxia Section of Yellow River

8 . “Strange and yet very real, thousands and thousands of flip-flops (人字拖) are washed up onto the East African coast, creating an environmental disaster. Not only do they destroy the natural beauty of our beaches and oceans, but they also block baby turtles’ way back to the sea and are eaten by fish and other animals,” states Ocean Sole.

The company collects the flip-flops — including paying people who bring in what they’ve collected— and transforms (改造) them into art while providing working opportunities for local people. At Ocean Sole’s workshop, 40 Kenyans are now employed full-time. The company pays their medical bills and provides free lunches to workers. “I was not able to afford shoes and had to borrow some to come to Nairobi to find work. Having been working here for six years, I can now afford to send my two children to school,” says Eric Mwandola, an artist with Ocean Sole.

Not only has the company grown in size, but so has the reach of its message. Ocean Sole now has products displayed in the gift shops of more than 40 zoos and museums. With each piece sold, the message about plastic pollution finds its way to a broader audience. “We are continuing to call on organizations to offer environmentally friendly souvenirs (纪念品) rather than plastic decorations,” says Ocean Sole. The company is all about cleaning up pollution, and that further develops their zero-waste guidelines. The waste from the sculptures (雕塑) is collected and used as flooring for kids’ playgrounds, and they even collect rainwater to use in their production. Other materials needed for the sculptures are also recycled goods, and the packaging comes in different sizes for products of various shapes and sizes.

In 2013 alone, Ocean Sole transformed around 50 tons of flip-flops into artworks. The company’s goal is to recycle 400,000 flip-flops per year.

1. What is paragraph 1 mainly about?

A．The living conditions of ocean animals.

B．Threats to the development of baby turtles.

C．Strategies for beautifying the East African coast.

D．The harmful effects of flip-flops littering the coast.

2. Why does the author mention Eric Mwandola?

A．To show the happiness of local residents.

B．To stress the importance of having a job.

C．To explain the social benefits brought by Ocean Sole.

D．To describe the possible value of unwanted flip-flops.

3. How can a broader audience receive Ocean Sole’s message?

A．By buying their art products.	B．By working in their gift shops.
C．By visiting polluted beaches.	D．By offering green souvenirs.

4. Which of the following ignores Ocean Sole’s production guidelines?

A．Making rules to manage the wastewater.

B．Using one-size-fits-all boxes for the sculptures.

C．Reusing leftover materials for similar products.

D．Repurposing waste products as useful tools for other processes.

9 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Why is the baobab’s trunk really fat?

A．It is shaped by people.

B．It stores a large quantity of water.

C．It must be strong enough to support the tree.

2. What is the full height of a baobab?

A．About 12 metres.

B．About 15 metres.

C．About 30 metres.

3. What are baobabs often used as nowadays?

A．Shops.

B．Wildlife habitats.

C．Bus shelters.

10 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

Two years ago, we’d traded our old life in Sydney to sail around the world. Life on the water was extremely happy: we were finally free of the 9-to-5 grind and our two children enjoyed getting to see the world while being home-schooled. But one day, looking at the kittens on the dock at a port in Greece, the kids asked, ”Can we please have a pet?" Guy and I were hesitant at first, but after some thought it made sense that living on a boat would be the best time to welcome an animal into our lives -we would be with it 24/7 and could give it plenty of attention. We decided a dog would be better-suited to sea life.

After doing some research about what it would take to bring a dog back home to Australia as we sailed back, I decided a dachshund (腊肠狗) would make the ideal pet. They were low to the ground, easy to transport, good boat security and loving, intelligent dogs. Guy hadn’t had a little dog before and doubted a little. But my cute photos eventually worked their magic and we headed to a town in Sicily to meet a breeder who had some miniature dachshunds. And the minute we laid eyes on the brown pup, we knew she was the one for us. We called her Pipsqueak-or Pip for short-and welcomed her onto the boat.

The first few days with Pip saw us encounter some rough weather, but she took it all in her stride (从容应对). The kids fell in love with her instantly. Pip was never far from our side, even accompanying us to museums and galleries. Our sails saw us cross the Atlantic Ocean to the United States, and then we decided to sail home to Australia. But when COVID-19 hit, it became complicated: we had to get on a flight quickly as borders around the world were closing fast. Problem was, we couldn’t take Pip. After much discussion, Guy and I decided that we would have to leave her with a friend while we flew home. Handing our dog over was utterly heartbreaking. It’ll only be for a couple of weeks, I told myself.

注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

But, like most people, we underestimated the situation.

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So, on the way to the airport, we stopped at Ikea and bought some hot dogs to be sure she’d come to us.

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