1 . Relatives of starfish, brittle stars (海蛇尾) spend most of their time hiding under rocks in the ocean or digging in the sand. These shy marine creatures have no brain to speak of—just nerve cords running down each of their five wiggly arms, which join to form a nerve ring near their mouth.
“There’s no processing center. Each of the nerve cords can act independently. Instead of a boss, it’s like a committee. That seems to be enough to learn by association,” said lead author Julia Notar. This type of leaning involves associating different stimuli via a process called classical conditioning (条件反射).
Classical conditioning has been demonstrated in a handful of previous studies in starfish. But brittle stars and similarly brainless starfish have not been tested.
To find out if brittle stars have the ability of learning, the researchers put 16 black brittle stars in individual water tanks and used a video camera to record their behavior. Half the brittle stars were trained by dimming the lights for 30 minutes whenever the animals were fed. Every time the lights went out, the researchers would put a bit of shrimp in the tanks, placed just out of reach. The other half got just as much shrimp and also experienced a 30-minute dark period, but never at the same time—the animals were fed under lit conditions.
Whether it was light or dark, the animals spent most of their time hiding behind the filters in their tanks, only coming out at mealtime. But only the trained brittle stars learned to associate darkness with food. They didn’t need to smell or taste the shrimp to react.
Notar said the results are exciting because classical conditioning hasn’t really been shown definitively in this group of animals before. “Knowing that brittle stars can learn means they’re not just robotic scavengers (清道夫) cleaning up the ocean floor,” Notar said. “They’re potentially able to expect and avoid predators (捕食者) or expect food because they’re learning about their environment.”
1. What is paragraph 1 about?| A．The living habits of brittle stars. | B．The features of a brainless creature. |
| C．The characteristics of the starfish. | D．The definition of classical conditioning. |
| A．The hiding time in tanks. | B．The change of feeding location. |
| C．The amount of the shrimp. | D．Light conditions at mealtime. |
| A．Brittle stars can be trained to make a connection. |
| B．Brittle stars can clean up the ocean floor. |
| C．Brittle stars’ nerve cords can act independently. |
| D．Brittle stars have a sharp sense of smell. |
| A．Brainless brittle stars can act like robots. |
| B．Brittle stars might keep away from catchers. |
| C．Brittle stars are the only ocean floor cleaners. |
| D．Brittle stars are adaptable to new environment. |
2 . The natural world is all around us, but sometimes it requires taking a step back from our daily lives to truly appreciate it. The escapes on this list allow you to gain some perspective and make you immersed in the landscapes.
Big Five Bucket List, TANZANIA
As one of the world’s most precious animal reserves, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge invites guests to put down their phones and refresh their mind. Through balcony views, visitors see up close to animals, like the Big Five lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros. Or experience the wonder from the air via hot air balloon.
Wild Horses, GEORGIA
Georgia has no coastline, only barrier islands. Cumberland Island remains a natural reserve along America’s National Seashores. It’s only accessible via boat, but once you’re on the island you can bicycle or walk to see the herds of wild horses, enjoy a day at the beach or wander around the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion.
Jungle Ridgeline, HAWAII
This jungle trail in Oahu goes deep into the lush where sunlight is scarce but adventure is not. Streams, animals and waterfalls surround you on your journey to the top of the crater (火山口). Leave time to jump into one of the pools for a swim, and enjoy the view from the Ka’au volcanic vent in peace.
Maritime Microclimate, NEW ZEALAND
Touring the 144 islands of this subtropical microclimate via sea allows visitors to enjoy themselves in the region’s history and natural beauty. Conservation areas, a maritime playground complete with penguins, dolphins and whales and rainforests are a welcome escape from daily lives.
1. In which destination can you get a bird’s-eye view?| A．Jungle Ridgeline. | B．Maritime Microclimate. |
| C．Wild Horses | D．Big Five Bucket List. |
| A．Visitors can appreciate animals. | B．Visitors can enjoy water sports. |
| C．They are all along the coastline. | D．They are located in the national park. |
| A．A guide to adventurous travel plans. |
| B．A proposal for wildlife reserve protection. |
| C．An introduction to immersive scenic spots. |
| D．A report of popular travel destinations. |
After visiting family in Rutland, Tay, together with her three-year-old son and his “favourite companion”, a cuddly toy monkey, caught the train to go back to their home in Bristol.
As they switched trains at Birmingham New Street station, Tay realized that the monkey had been left behind. Her son, she said, was heartbroken.
“He just burst into tears,” Tay said. “He just kept asking ’Where’s my monkey?’ I told him ‘it’s just like playing hide and seek’ and reassured him that lots of kind people were looking for the monkey and the postman would send it back.”
Tay called Network Rail but it was too late, and the CrossCountry train had already left the station. Tay was not hopeful about a reunion but the monkey was a gift to her son on the day he was born, so she passed its sentimental (情感的) value to the train staff.
As she and her disappointed son made their way home, staff at various train companies worked together to track down the toy. They managed to locate the monkey. Tay was kept informed of the progress and told that, as it was by then too late that day, the monkey would be kept overnight in the Lost and Found at Birmingham. Determined to give the monkey a comfortable stay, staff at the station found it a hand-knitted sweater that had been previously used as a Christmas decoration. Next morning, the monkey, which usually slept with its owner every night, was on an early train from Birmingham to Bristol, where Tay was waiting.
“I collected it on my bicycle and brought it home. I just said to my son ’guess what I’ve got for you’ and pulled it out my bag. ” She added that the monkey’s new sweater had been a “lovely surprise” and the railway logo on there reminded them of the journey it made.
In total, four train companies helped the monkey home and it covered an extra 619 miles. Tay said, “The monkey’s been with my son ever since and we are keeping it close, so no more adventures for it in the future.”
1. What was the son’s reaction when he found the monkey lost?2. How did the mother comfort her son?
3. Why was the monkey precious to the boy?
4. What added to the pleasure of their reunion with the monkey?
5. What qualities do you think the railway staff have?
4 . Going back to campus every September can be stressful for most students. However, some universities in China manage to make this process easier.
Hebei University
Teachers from the university recently held a treasure hunt challenge to lighten up the atmosphere of getting back to campus for students. Teachers hid coupons (奖券) in surprising places around the campus, such as the top of bookshelves or the bottom of basketball hoops. Students who managed to collect the coupons were rewarded with gifts, including books and stuffed toys.
Zhejiang University
Has carrying your suitcases up and down in your dorm building been a headache? Zhejiang University has come up with some interesting methods to solve this problem. They use a scaling ladder to lift luggage from the first floor. Instead of sweating buckets, students can sit in their dorms and wait for the suitcases to be transported to them.
Chengdu University
Getting along with roommates can be tricky when everyone has different habits and personalities. Chengdu University offers a “roommate-selection system” based on big data. After students fill out the questionnaire, including questions about their hobbies and sleeping habits, their roommates will be automatically assigned (分配) by the system based on their preferences. This way, students have more control over who they share their room with.
With considerate teachers and a personalized atmosphere, students will be more ready for the upcoming semester.
1. Why do the universities listed above take the pleasurable actions?| A．To increase their popularity. | B．To reduce the students’ tiredness. |
| C．To help students find good friends. | D．To make returning to campus easier. |
| A．Lightening up the campus. | B．Carrying luggage for students. |
| C．Making students hunt for gifts. | D．Rewarding students with books. |
| A．Filling out the forms. | B．Using big data. |
| C．Asking about personalities. | D．Learning about habits. |
“Twin”Kitties "
When you look at the two cats in the picture, you may think that they are related (有关的). After all, they look just the same, don’t they? Yes, the two cats do look alike but in fact, they are not related at all.
They are Suzume and Unagi. The two lovely cats now live with their owner in Japan.
They were saved separately. The owner took Suzume into the family first. Later, she saw a cat that looked exactly like Suzume on the website of an animal shelter that provides protection for animals by chance (偶然). She knew that cats could only stay at the shelter for one week. If nobody was willing to take them into the family in a week, they would be killed.
Just before Unagi ended his stay at the shelter , Suzume’ s owner saved him. She brought him home to meet Suzume. The two cats developed a close relationship quickly. Unagi would follow Suzume everywhere around the house, and Suzume didn’t mind that at all.
The two cats are best friends now. Maybe luck brought them together !
根据短文内容回答问题，每题答案不超过6个词。
1. Why do people believe that Suzume and Unagi are related?
2. Where do Suzume and Unagi live now?
3. Suzume and Unagi were taken into the owner’s family together, weren’ t they?
4. What would happen to the cats at the shelter if nobody took them into the family in a week?
5. What do you think of the cat owner?
6 . One day, a sheep was enjoying himself at the mountainside, while a wolf came out of nowhere all of a sudden and intended to eat it. The sheep jumped away immediately and used his horns to fight against the wolf, crying out loudly to his friends for help.
The horse looked down and spotted the wolf, running away quickly. The donkey stopped his pace and spotted the wolf, slipping away quietly. The pig passed by and saw the wolf, rushing down the mountain right away. The rabbit heard the voice of the wolf and dashing away swiftly. The dog heard the cries of the sheep and hurried to the mountainside, jumping out of the bushes and biting the wolf’s neck. The wolf felt so painful that he cried miserably and escaped at once.
After the sheep came back home, all his friends visited him.
The horse said, “Why not tell me you were in danger? My strong feet could stamp his head broken.”
The donkey said, “Why not tell me you were in danger? I could shout him away with my horrible voice!”
The pig said, “Why not tell me you were in danger? I could use my big mouth to crush him down the mountain.”
The rabbit said, “Why not tell me you were in danger? I am good at running and could ask others to help.”
Among all of them, only the dog did not say anything, but the sheep came to realize what was nature of friendship.
1. How did the sheep react when attacked by the wolf?| A．He intended to fight against the wolf and eat it. | B．He used his horns to fight against the wolf with his friends. |
| C．He ran away immediately and cried out loudly. | D．He struggled with the wolf and shouted for help. |
| A．bite | B．step | C．pat | D．drive |
| A．helpful and brave. | B．loyal and shy. | C．smart and honest. | D．friendly and polite. |
| A．All are not friends that speak us fair. | B．A friend without fault will never be found. |
| C．A friend in need is a friend indeed. | D．A friend to everybody is a friend to nobody. |
7 . Family vacations can supply lifelong memories. U.S. News made this list of travel destinations that offer reasonable rates and activities the whole family can enjoy.
Orlando
Known for its timeless appeal, thrill rides and fun performances, Walt Disney World Resort is engineered specifically for families. But if you aren’t up for wearing mouse ears, Orlando hosts a handful of other theme parks that are sure to excite youths, including Universal Orlando Resort, where you’ll find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Discovery Cove.
Yellowstone National Park
Visit Yellowstone for a classic family vacation in the great outdoors. Kids will love watching Old Faithful erupt, and there’s nothing like a hike for family enjoyment. Hit up the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail for a light walk to its namesake natural wonder. Keep an eye out for bison, or visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to make sure to enjoy animal interactions.
Destin
Destin, Florida, is a hit with families thanks to its relaxing atmosphere and plethora of kid - pleasing things to do. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park features water slides and a lazy river, while the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is home to animals kids love, including dolphins and penguins. Families will also appreciate Destin’s scenic and calm shorelines.
Anaheim - Disneyland
Home to Disneyland Resort since 1955, Anaheim, California, has enough magical attractions to keep families entertained. After catching up with Mickey and friends, visit Anaheim’s Adventure City amusement park or Knott’s Berry Farm theme park.
1. If the family are fond of seeing animals, which destinations can they choose?| A．Anaheim - Disneyland and Yellowstone National Park. | B．Orlando and Anaheim - Disneyland. |
| C．Yellowstone National Park and Destin. | D．Destin and Anaheim - Disneyland. |
| A．Containing activities related to theme parks. | B．Enjoying water entertainments. |
| C．Offering horse riding. | D．Allowing hunting. |
| A．Health. | B．Education. | C．Travel. | D．Science. |
Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), deeply
TCM, with its origins
To promote further exploration into possibilities for TCM and find ways to integrate it with WM, equal importance should be given to the development of both medical systems rather than viewing them as
9 . Science Books for Kids of All Ages
To help you choose the perfect education al books for your child, we’ve created this handpicked list of the best science books for kids. The titles featured here spark curiosity, encourage leaning, and are lots of fun, too.
About Time: A First Look at Time and Clocks
Author: Bruce Koscielniak; Price: US $8.55
Long ago people used the sun, the moon, and the water to tell time. Soon after we began using our knowledge about the natural world to build clocks and to create calendars made up of months and years. Centuries later, we have clocks and calendars all around us. This book tells the amazing story of how it all happened!
Animalium: Welcome to the Museum
Author: Katie Scott;Price: US $8.99
This book opens the doors of the natural history museum for your child all year round! It features 200 full-color specimens accompanied by lively, informative text and more. Discover the animal kingdom inglorious detail with unique illustrations that combine science and art.
Bang!: How We Came to Be
Author: Michael Rubino; Price: US $16.00
“Bang! And that was it, the beginning of everything.” So begins this beautifully illustrated story of evolution. This book conveys not only the facts but also the excitement of the scientific explanation of our world, from the origin of the universe to the present reality of our planet.
Bedtime Math: The Truth Comes Out
Author: Laura Overdeck; Price: US $10.99
This book makes learning about math as fun as dessert after dinner! It combines math and cool facts for one fun and wild adventure. Now kids can discover the science behind all their favorite things: marshmallows, soda, ice cream, and more. With over 100 math problems on a variety of topics, kids will find math isn’t just fun — it can be found everywhere!
1. What can kids learn in the book About Time?| A．The tough life of ancestors. | B．The origin of the sun and the moon. |
| C．The old ways to measure time. | D．The wildlife in the natural world. |
| A．They are children’s novels. | B．They are popular for cheap price. |
| C．They are collected in the museum. | D．They are illustrated stories for kids. |
| A．Bang. | B．Bedtime Math. | C．Animalium. | D．About Time. |
10 . If you’re feeling in the mood for grilled food but don’t have a barbecue, then deciding what product to purchase can be a bit difficult. So to help you get a better understanding of just some of the choices available, here’s our guide to buying a new BBQ.
Charcoal vs GasThe first decision is how your BBQ is going to be powered. There are essentially two main choices: the traditional way with charcoal, or the quick and convenient way with gas. For those who get frustrated with the process of lighting coals and waiting for them to reach the desired temperature, then gas is the easy option. It’s clean and gets up to temperature in an instant. But for many, the main fun of a barbecue lies in the back-to-basics cooking that hot coal brings natural barbecue fire. You’ll also find a far greater range of charcoal barbecues.
SizeFor anyone who likes to throw a garden party with a busy barbecue at the centre of the action, there are some vast grills (烤架) available. But unless you’re regularly feeding the masses, then these BBQ beasts can be impractical. Smaller meals are better suited to smaller equipment, so be realistic about the size that best suits you.
Open grill or lidWhile facing the barbecue selection of your nearest retailer, you’ll notice that some of them have lids. These will usually be round and will make you pay more than the lidless options. But if you want the benefit of being able to cook larger items over a longer period of time, such as a whole chicken, then a lid will be essential.
1. Which BBQ is suitable for Jack, who likes back-to-basics cooking and often invites friends to the garden party?| A．Gas barbecue in small size. | B．Gas barbecue in big size. |
| C．Charcoal barbecue with big grills. | D．Charcoal barbecue with small grills. |
| A．The open grill costs more. | B．The open grill looks superior. |
| C．The open grill is more reliable. | D．The open grill is less suitable for larger items. |
| A．Lifestyle. | B．Business. | C．Culture. | D．Sports. |
