1 . Gardeners are often puzzled by the sudden appearance of an unusual orchid(兰花) or sometimes are disappointed that their annuals have vanished. Scientists have discovered that some British flowers can lie dormant (休眠的) under the ground for up to 20 years, coming out to bloom only when the conditions are just right. Orchids seem particularly good at being dormant for years at a time, the scientists discovered.

Michael Hutchings, Professor of Ecology at the University of Suss, said: “Being underground means they cannot receive sunshine, neither flower nor reproduce. And yet this study has shown that many plants in a large number of species frequently go through dormancy (休眠). Many of these species have found ways to overcome the loss of sunshine during dormancy, especially by gradually developing their ability to get what they need from soil. This allows them to survive and even grow well during dormant periods.”

The research found that dormancy occurs when the weather is poor, or there is a new threat from animals or competing plants. Sometimes winters are so mild that the plant does not realize that spring has begun. Dormancy in seeds has been widely known about and studied for years, but the dormancy in adult plants is far less well-known and understood.

The study, led by Professor Richard Shefferson in University of Tokyo, is the first detailed analysis of the causes. Dormancy appears to be more common near the equator (赤道), where threats from factors such as disease, competition, animals and fire are more severe. Co-author Dr. Eric Menges said:“ In those areas, it is most suitable for plants to remain dormant and then to grow when favourable conditions exist for growth and flowering. ”

1. What does the underlined word “vanished” mean in the first paragraph?

A．Adapted.

B．Shrunk.

C．Disappeared.

D．Woken.

2. What does Professor Michael Hutchings mainly talk about in the second paragraph?

A．What results dormancy leads to.

B．How the orchid developed their ability to get energy.

C．Why some species can survive terrible conditions.

D．How the orchid lives through dormant periods.

3. What can we learn from the passage?

A．Dormancy in plants is common in regions along the equator.

B．Orchids are the only plants that can be dormant for years.

C．Dormancy in seeds is far less well-known and understood.

D．Most gardeners don’t want to plant orchids.

4. What is the best title for the passage?

A．Survival of the Fittest

B．Dormant Flowers Underground for Years

C．Why Some British Flowers Stay Dormant

D．New Research on Dormancy in Orchids