1 . Any dog’s love and devotion can feel like a miracle(奇迹). In a sense, Mason, a one-year-old dog, may be the most amazing one on the earth.
The long-legged dog in North Smithfield, Alabama, was caught in a storm in his family’s garage last spring. His family thought he would be safe there, but the storm broke the garage door and Mason disappeared.
Dozens of people died that day. Mason’s family were grateful just to be alive. But they were heartbroken at the thought that their sweet, playful companion had died. They combed the neighborhood, but Mason didn’t turn up.
Three weeks after the disaster, Mason’s family were surprised to find Mason on the front door, so ecstatic to see his family.
Where had Mason landed during the windstorm? What did he eat for those long weeks? How did he find his way back home?
There were no answers to those questions and no time to work them out. Mason was terribly thin and couldn’t stand properly. The family quickly sought help and learned their beloved dog had crawled(爬) home on broken front legs. “He was simply on his elbows(肘),” says Dr. Doster.
Doster had spent days reuniting pets with their owners and took an instant liking to the brave dog. He contacted Dr.William Lamb of Vulcan Park Animal Care in Birmingham, who volunteered to perform the needed surgery for free. Lamb inserted two metal plates and 17 screws(螺丝钉) in an operation that lasted more than five hours.
Mason’s injuries were so significant that he required weeks of recovery to heal. By the time he returned home to his family in September, he was jumping around again. “There were no ill effects at all, which is a miracle in itself,” Doster says.
1. The best title for the passage is probably__________ .| A．A new miracle came up |
| B．Mason—the miracle dog |
| C．What creates a miracle |
| D．How can miracles happen |
| A．Surprised. | B．Excited. | C．Fantastic. | D．Lifeless. |
| A．Mason had the longest legs in the world. |
| B．Mason was a female dog with great courage. |
| C．Mason was seriously hurt in the storm. |
| D．Mason was deserted in the garage by design. |
| A．Mason sheltered himself from the storm |
| B．some kind people had offered Mason food |
| C．it took three weeks for Mason to recover |
| D．Mason’s operation was a tough one for Dr.Lamb |
The elf owl is mostly found in the southwestern parts of the United States and Mexico. During the spring and summer seasons, it moves to Arizona and New Mexico. It returns to Mexico for the winter. The elf owl doesn’t build its own nest. It lives in tree holes.
The elf owl is a yellow bird with dark wings. Its eyes are bright yellow and its feet are large. It is the smallest owl of the species, only about 12.5—14.5 centimeters long. It is also the world’s lightest owl, weighing not more than forty grams. In general, female elf owls weigh more than male ones.
The female usually lays three eggs at a time. After the young elf owls are born, their mother will feed them with worms for up to three to four weeks. After 10 weeks, the young ones are fully grown and ready to take flight.
The elf owls are not aggressive birds. When danger comes, they will fly away in the other direction, rather than staying and facing the danger or their enemies. Besides flying, the elf owl can also walk and climb like a parrot. The elf owl is most active duck, during the night and just before dawn. It can produce many different kinds of sounds. It can live for three to six years in the wild. If they are kept in cages, they can live for ten to fourteen years. The elf owls are now in danger because of the loss of habitat. Cutting down trees will result in lack of places for them to live in.
1. According to the first two paragraphs, the elf owl may ________.| A．live in Mexico in winter |
| B．have yellow wings |
| C．have big and dark eyes |
| D．build its nest in trees |
| A．The female elf owl lays one egg at a time |
| B．The elf owl can live no longer than six years |
| C．The elf owl sleeps at night and searches for food during the daytime |
| D．The female elf owl provides her young with food for three to four weeks |
| A．It prefers to live in cages. |
| B．It has a gentle character. |
| C．It is not good at climbing. |
| D．It is most active during the day. |
| A．In a science fiction. |
| B．In a tourist guide. |
| C．On a shopping website. |
| D．In a wildlife magazine. |
3 . Back in the 1860s, a British scientist named Henry Walter Bates noticed something interesting in the animal world: a kind of butterfly, Common Mormon, can change the pattern on its wings so that it looks like another butterfly species, the Common Rose, which is poisonous for birds to eat.
Bates argued that animals develop this ability to protect themselves from being eaten. This theory had been widely accepted by scientists. But one question remains: how do these animals manage to do that?
After more than 150 years, scientists are finally able to answer that question-it is all down to a gene called “doublesex”, according to a study published on March 6 in the journal Nature.
In fact, scientists have long known that genes are responsible for this useful ability. But until the new study, scientists hadn’t been able to find out which genes in particular were responsible.
Scientists at the University of Chicago compared the genetic structures of the Common Mormons that changed their wing patterns with those of ones that did not. And all the results pointed to a single gene, “doublesex”.
This was much to the scientists’ surprise. They used to expect that something as complex as this would be controlled by many different genes. For example, one gene would control the color of the upper part of the wing, one would do so for the lower part.
However, the “doublesex” gene doesn’t quite do everything by itself. Instead, it acts like a switch-it “tells” other genes to change the wing patterns. Isn’t that clever?
Scientists believe that this special ability of the “doublesex” gene on Common Mormon was developed throughout the long history of evolution. “The harmless species gains an advantage by resembling something predators avoid,” Sean Carroll, a scientist told Nature. “it was obvious evidence for natural selection.”
1. How do scientists find the truth of butterfly changing wing patterns?| A．By doing experiment on butterflies | B．By comparing genetic structures |
| C．By observing the butterflies | D．By analyzing the result |
| A．The ”doublesex” gene does do everything by itself |
| B．The “doublesex” gene is poisonous |
| C．The “doublesex” gene “tells” other genes to change the wing patterns |
| D．The “doublesex” gene could only control the color of the upper part of the wing |
| A．How Common Mormons stay safe | B．How Butterflies Changed Wings’ Pattern |
| C．What American Scientists Discovered | D．What Genetic Structures of Butterflies Have |
The association says too many youngsters with impaired eyesight are lacking in independence. They have only a limited social life because of their disability. Giving some of them guide dogs at a younger age is intended to help them to widen their range of activities and to improve their sense of self-confidence and independence. Guide dogs for these teenagers will begin to be provided from next year. There has been an experimental project to test the use of guide dogs with younger people.
Charlotte, aged 14, was among the youngest guide dog owners. She had been gradually losing her eyesight since the age of eight, and lost her eyesight completely this year. She has been assisted by a two-year-old guide dog. Charlotte used to have a long stick to help her move around, but having a guide dog allows her much more freedom and makes her feel safer.
However, the association says there is a worryingly patchy supply of services for the young blind people across the UK, and it calls for national standards to be introduced. As with adult blind people, only a small number of them are likely to be considered suitable for a guide dog. Most will continue to rely on extra help and training from education and social services.
1. We can learn from the text that owning guide dogs .
| A．may meet with difficulties sometimes |
| B．is beneficial to blind children’s development |
| C．became possible in the UK recently |
| D．is quite universal in the UK |
| A．it is necessary to carry out the experimental project |
| B．guide dogs can get along well with disabled people |
| C．the association’s opinion is not quite right |
| D．youngsters need companions and friends |
| A．Endless. | B．Perfect. |
| C．Inadequate. | D．Diverse. |
| A．Blind people need guide dogs’ assistance in their daily life. |
| B．Age limit for the blind to have guide dogs is to be removed. |
| C．More guide dogs will be trained in the UK. |
| D．The project of using guide dogs is to begin. |
Program Outline:
﹡Greeting from Educator
﹡Educational Program: misunderstandings about sharks, biology, pictures, shark tooth comparisons, animal overview, what to expect during the experience.
﹡Behind-the-scenes food prep
﹡Brief overview of Safety and Policies
﹡Feeding
Schedule:
Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 3:40 pm
Session: 3:40 pm
Length: 60 minutes
Requirements: All participants must be 16＋.
Price: $50.00, plus Admission(Members: $45.00). Space is currently limited to three participants per scheduled session.
How to Book: Phone: 631 208 9200,ext.H2O(426)
Online: When purchasing your Admission ticket, please select the Shark Keeper add-on under the Aquatic Adventures section of the shopping cart.
Guests with Special Needs:
Long Island Aquarium＆Exhibition Center makes every effort to accommodate guests with special needs. Please be aware that to participate in this program, guests must be able to navigate the animal habitat spaces with minimum assistance, and must be able to understand and take direction in English from staff members. To ensure the best experience, please contact the Call Center at 631 208 9200, ext. H2O(426) to discuss your individual needs.
Cancellations(取消):
There is a 72-hour cancellation policy. Any cancellation made within 72 hours will not be refunded. No-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. Guests arriving late (after the required program check-in time) will not be permitted to participate in the program and will not be refunded or rescheduled. We encourage guests to arrive at the Aquarium with plenty of time to park, enter, and check into the program. Adventurers should report to the Main Entrance at least ten minutes ahead. The sessions will begin quickly at the scheduled time. Please plan accordingly.
1. After joining the program, you will _______.
| A．feed sharks once a life time |
| B．get a real shark tooth as a souvenir |
| C．meet the biggest predators of sharks |
| D．draw some pictures of sharks |
| A．make sure of your individual needs |
| B．move around the center alone |
| C．follow the directions of staff members |
| D．seek as much assistance as possible |
| A．report it to the center 10 min before the session |
| B．manage your plan again with 72 hours |
| C．expect to refund from the center |
| D．report the center 3 days in advance |
| A．You can book the program in advance online. |
| B．There is no limit to the age of participants. |
| C．You need to pay ＄95 at least for the program. |
| D．A session is scheduled for 3 children every week. |
6 . This is the SCIENCE IN THE NEWS, I'm Barbara Klein.
Animal experts say one of the world's most beautiful and rare kinds of big cat is close to disappearing from the wild. A study earlier this year found that about thirty Amur leopards (豹) still live free. The cats are also called Far Eastern leopards.
Recently, their number has been reduced by one, Some person shot a female Amur, then beat her to death. The animal's body was discovered last month in the Barsovy National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Russia.
An official of the World Wildlife Fund, Darron, said this was the third such killing in the area in the past fives years. Mr, Collins said the death of even one adult female is a huge loss for the endangered cat, He noted that the killing reduces the possibility for cubs (幼兽) or young.
It is not clear how many Amur leopards still live free. One population count was performed in February and March. Wildlife expert Dmitry Pikuuov led this study. It found evidence of seven to nine males. The study identified three to seven females without cubs, Four leopards were identified as females with cubs. In all, five or six cubs were recorded, Six to eight animals could not be identified.
Most of the land where the Amur leopard once lived was in China.New roads and climate change there threatened the animals. So did hunters who kill big cats for their body parts.
Mr. Pikuuov says adult Amurs need about five hundred square kilometers with good forests to survive. He said they also need a large and continuing supply of animals like deer for food. He believes the answer to saving the Amur leopard is for governments to provide protected spaces for wildlife.
1. This passage is probably from .| A．a magazine | B．a newspaper report |
| C．a TV report | D．a film |
| A．It could lead to the death of an adult male. |
| B．It means it can not give birth to the young any more. |
| C．11 is worth more money than a male. |
| D．There is only one adult female in the world. |
| A．new roads | B．climate change |
| C．human hunting | D．rare diseases |
| A．are living on plants | B．are living in the zoo |
| C．are well protected by people | D．are endangered |
Auckland, New Zealand
After two months of learning, Monty, and Porter were able to drive an automobile around a racetrack. “We wanted to prove how smart rescue dogs are,”animal behaviorist Mark Vette says. Vette first used voice commands and treats to teach the dogs how to turn a steering wheel and how to change gear (换挡).
The dogs’ ride only accelerated up to 7.5 miles an hour, and trainers could stop the auto using a remote control.
GOLDEN ZEBRA
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Zoe the zebra’s markings are special. The animal has white and golden stripes. Zoe’s appearance resulted from a rare condition called amelanosis (黑素缺失症). Her body doesn’t make enough melanin, the substance in an animal’s skin and hair cells that produces color. “Only 25 other golden zebras are known to exist in the world,” says Ann Goody, who runs the wildlife refuge where Zoe lives. In the wild, life may be difficult for animals with amelanosis because predators (捕猎者) can easily spot them. But Zoe is protected at her refuge.
COCKATOO MAKES TOOLS
Vienna, Austria
When Figaro the cockatoo spots food lying just out of reach from his cage, he builds a tiny wooden tool to sweep the tasty prize in his way.
The bird first revealed his talent when a stone he was playing with rolled out of his cage. The cockatoo couldn’t reach the stone. So he flew away and returned with a small branch, slipping it through the fence to slide the stone toward him.
Wondering if he would do it again, scientists placed a nut exactly where the stone had been. This time, Figaro pulled out a small piece of wood in his cage and dragged the nut toward him.
1. If Zoe the zebra is set free in the wild, she will ________.
| A．meet no natural predators |
| B．not get along with other zebras |
| C．manage to make enough melanin |
| D．be easily found for her appearance |
| A．He is particular about his food. |
| B．He is extremely fond of stones. |
| C．He is good at drawing support from outside forces. |
| D．He can tell the difference between stones and nuts. |
| A．Amazing animals. |
| B．Ways to help animals. |
| C．Animals’ unique talents. |
| D．Tips on training animals. |
This can clearly be seen when we look at pet foods, which often contain more vitamins than human food. They certainly cost much. Last year the British public spent two hundred million pounds on pet food alone, to say nothing of veterinary bills or animal furniture. It is difficult not to feel angry about this when considering what the same amount could do for victims of starvation and poverty, so it is not unusual for me to get hot under the collar when I read an old man left all his money to his dog instead of his children.
There are a variety of reasons why I find pets-raising alarming. They cause physical problems. An example of this is New York where they have great difficulty getting rid of the mess that dogs leave on the streets. Many people find this funny, but in a number of large cities it is a major problem. Animals can cause disease, too. It is the threat of rabies — a disease with no known cure.
Another problem is the carelessness of pet owners. Most little children want a dog or a cat, and they continually push their mothers and fathers until they get one. It is only when the "sweet little thing" has been brought home that the parents realize how much time and money must be spent on "Rover" or "Bonzo". Then they just abandon it. As a result, they are allowed to run free. English farmers lose hundreds of sheep a year, killed by someone's pet and you must have read of children being hurt by some pets of their own.
Lastly, I would only suggest that we have got our priorities wrong and that something should be done about it. In my view, it's time we stopped being sentimental about pets. I can see no reason why we should get upset when animals are cut up for medical experiments. This will lead us to discovering cures for serious human diseases, then I say, “keep cutting!”
1. The doggy parlors are mentioned in the 1st paragraph to show ________.
| A．where Americans keep their pets |
| B．what costly lives the pets are living |
| C．why children love their pets so much |
| D．how much pets depend on their masters |
| A．getting quite hot | B．feeling overwhelmingly angry |
| C．becoming excited | D．receiving a fashionable shirt |
| A．Pet. | B．Food. | C．Medicine. | D．Sports. |
| A．Pitiful. | B．Neutral. | C．Opposed. | D．Supportive. |
9 . The poaching, or illegal killing, of rhinos(犀牛) in South Africa is growing worse each year. The government recently reported that a record number of rhinos were poached in 2014, a year which had more rhino killings in South Africa than ever before.
The World Wildlife Fund, or WWF, says about 20,000 rhinos live in South Africa. That is more than 80 percent of the rhinos in the world. Edna Molewa, South Africa’s environmental issues minister, says, “During 2014, we are sad to say this,1,215 rhinos were killed. This is a rise in the number of poached rhinos from 1004 in 2013 and indeed very worrying.”
The animals are hunted for their horns(犀牛角). Many people in Asia believe the horn has curing power, which drives poachers, at all costs, mad for more horns. But there is no scientific evidence for this belief. The horn is made of keratin. That is the same thing as human hair, fingernails and toenails.
Ms. Mo1ewa said 386 suspected poachers were arrested last year, an increase from the year before. But rhino protection workers say poachers often go unpunished after arrest. South Africa’s legal system is ineffective. Ms. Molewa said more needs to be done and South Africa is taking strong measures to protect rhinos. The efforts include moving some of the animals to secret places in neighboring countries. “Now approximately 100 rhinos have been moved to neighboring states in the SADC region during 2014 and 200 more rhinos will be moved this year” Molewa said.
Jo Shaw, the rhino program manager at the WWF, said, “we’re talking about a loss of a hundred rhinos a month. Or more than three a day. We really need to see effective action not just at a national level but internationally.” She says officials should find the criminal groups responsible for the poaching and punish them. Government officials are to meet in Botswana in March at the Inter-governmental Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade.
1. What do we know about rhinos?
| A．Half of the rhinos live in South Africa. |
| B．Less than 1,000 rhinos were killed in 2013. |
| C．The killing reached the highest point in 2014. |
| D．There are only 20,000 rhinos left in the world. |
| A．To get more keratin. |
| B．To protect the farmland. |
| C．To use them for decoration. |
| D．To make money from horns. |
| A．many criminal groups are well organized |
| B．new laws are needed to punish the killers |
| C．rhino protection needs international cooperation |
| D．conferences about protecting rhinos are to be held every year |
| A．Rhino protection has a long way to go. |
| B．No one would like to buy horns in the future. |
| C．The illegal killing of rhinos will soon disappear. |
| D．Rhinos living in South Africa will move to other countries. |
10 . Life in the Clear
Transparent animals let light pass through their bodies the same way light passes through a window. These animals typically live between the surface of the ocean and a depth of about 3,300 feet---as far as most light can reach. Most of them are extremely delicate and can be damaged by a simple touch. Sonke Johnsen, a scientist in biology, says, “These animals live through their life alone. They never touch anything unless they’re eating it, or unless something is eating them.”
And they are as clear as glass. How does an animal become see-through? It s trickier than you might think.
The objects around you are visible because they interact with light. Light typically travels in a straight line. But some materials slow and scatter (散射) light, bouncing it away from its original path. Others absorb light, stopping it dead in its tracks. Both scattering and absorption make an object look different from other objects around it, so you can see it easily.
But a transparent object doesn’t absorb or scatter light, at least not very much. Light can pass through it without bending or stopping. That means a transparent object doesn’t look very different from the surrounding air or water. You don’t see it you see the things behind it.
To become transparent, an animal needs to keep its body from absorbing or scattering light. Living materials can stop light because they contain pigments (色素) that absorb specific colors of light. But a transparent animal doesn’t have pigments, so its tissues won’t absorb light. According to Johnsen, avoiding absorption is actually easy. The real challenge is preventing light from scattering.
Animals are built of many different materials---skin, fat, and more---and light moves through each at a different speed. Every time light moves into a material with a new speed, it bends and scatters. Transparent animals use different tricks to fight scattering. Some animals are simply very small or extremely flat. Without much tissue to scatter light, it is easier to be see-through. Others build a large, clear mass of non-living jelly-like (果冻状的) material and spread themselves over it.
Larger transparent animals have the biggest challenge, because they have to make all the different tissues in their bodies slow down light exactly as much as water does. They need to look uniform. But how they’re doing it is still unknown. One thing is clear: for these larger animals, staying transparent is an active process. When they die, they turn a non-transparent milky white.
1. According to Paragraph 1,transparent animals .| A．stay in groups | B．can be easily damaged |
| C．appear only in deep ocean | D．are beautiful creatures |
| A．silently | B．gradually |
| C．regularly | D．completely |
| A．change the direction of light travel | B．gather materials to scatter light |
| C．avoid the absorption of light | D．grow bigger to stop light |
| A．move more slowly in deep water |
| B．stay see-through even after death |
| C．produce more tissues for their survival |
| D．take effective action to reduce light spreading |
