1 . Where does the conversation probably take place?

A．In a restaurant.

B．In a zoo.

C．In a museum.

2 . In habitats across the planet, animals periodically drop everything to walk, fly or swim to a new place. Some animals such as whales and geese learn migration paths by following their parents. Others, including small songbirds, gain the distance and direction of their migration within their genetic code. And some animals use a combination of genetics and culture to guide their migration.

Another group of migrators does not quite fit either model, and researchers have only recently started to figure out how they find their way. The Cory’s shearwater is an oceangoing seabird that migrates over the Atlantic every year. The young do not migrate with their parents, so culture cannot explain their journeys. And the exact paths vary wildly from individual to individual, making genetics equally unlikely.

Cory’s shearwaters are long-lived, rarely producing young successfully before age nine. This leaves an opening for learning and practice to develop their migration patterns. Researchers call this the “exploration-refinement”, and until now it has been hypothetical (假设的) because of difficulties in tracking migratory animals’ movements.

But a team of researchers has done that by attaching small geolocators to more than 150 of the birds aged four to nine. They found that younger birds traveled longer distances, for longer periods, and had more diverse paths than older birds. “We finally have evidence of the ‘exploration-refinement’ for migratory birds,” says Letizia Campioni, who led the study. Younger Cory’s shearwaters are able to fly just as fast as the adults——but they do not, suggesting that the young do more exploring, which gradually fades as they mature and settle into a preferred course.

“Although it may seem less efficient than other strategies, exploration refinement could be beneficial to birds and other organisms in a rapidly changing world due to unpredictable man-made changes,” says Barbara Frei. “It might be safer to repeat a behavior that was recently successful than to rely on patterns that were perfected long ago but might no longer be safe.”

1. What is the first paragraph mainly about?

A．It describes animals’ habitats.	B．It compares different species.
C．It talks about migration models.	D．It introduces a tracking technology.

2. What does the underlined word “this” in Paragraph 3 refer to?

A．The opening for learning and practice.

B．The unique living habit of Cory’s shearwaters.

C．The process scientists track Cory’s shearwaters’ movements.

D．The way Cory’s shearwaters form their migration patterns.

3. What does Letizia’s study find about the younger Cory’s shearwaters?

A．They travel as much as adult birds.	B．They lower the speed for exploration.
C．They move in a predictable manner.	D．They look for a course with their parents.

4. What can we conclude from the last paragraph?

A．Exploration refinement contributes to birds’ adaptability.

B．Man-made changes make migration easier.

C．Animals make a safer journey via a fixed track.

D．A combination of strategies assures migration success

3 . After years of heated debate, gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. Fourteen wolves were caught in Canada and transported to the park. By last year, the Yellowstone wolf population had grown to more than 170 wolves.

Gray wolves once were seen here and there in the Yellowstone area and much of the continental United States, but they were gradually displaced by human development. By the 1920s, wolves had practically disappeared from the Yellowstone area. They went farther north into the deep forests of Canada, where there were fewer humans around.

The disappearance of the wolves had many unexpected results. Deer and elk populations — major food sources (来源) for the wolf — grew rapidly. These animals consumed large amounts of vegetation (植被), which reduced plant diversity in the park. In the absence of wolves, coyote populations also grew quickly. The coyotes killed a large percentage of the park’s red foxes, and completely drove away the park’s beavers.

As early as 1966, biologists asked the government to consider reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone Park. They hoped that wolves would be able to control the elk and coyote problems. Many farmers opposed the plan because they feared that wolves would kill their farm animals or pets.

The government spent nearly 30 years coming up with a plan to reintroduce the wolvers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service carefully monitors and manages the wolf packs in Yellowstone. Today, the debate continues over how well the gray wolf is fitting in at Yellowstone. Elk, deer, and coyote populations are down, while beavers and red foxes have made a comeback. The Yellowstone wolf project has been a valuable experiment to help biologists decide whether to reintroduce wolves to other parts of the country as well.

1. What is the text mainly about?

A．Wildlife research in the United States.

B．Plant diversity in the Yellowstone area.

C．The conflict between farmers and gray wolves.

D．The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone Park.

2. What did the disappearance of gray wolves bring about?

A．Damage to local ecology.

B．Preservation of vegetation.

C．A decline in the park’s income.

D．An increase in the variety of animals.

3. What is the author’s attitude towards the Yellowstone wolf project?

A．Doubtful.

B．Uncaring.

C．Positive.

D．Disapproving.

5 . In the 12th century, physician Ibn Zuhr conducted some animal research to assess the surgical procedures that could be applied to humans. Since then, animal testing has been considered the most efficient way to develop new drugs. New medical treatments and drugs are tested on animals first to determine their effectiveness or safety levels before they are finally tested on humans. However, it remains controversial whether it is morally right or wrong to use animals for experiments.

The use of animals for medical purposes is seen to be necessary by many scientists. Researchers usually begin their trials using rats. If the tests are successful, further tests are done on monkeys before using human beings. For testing, such tiered(分层的) rounds are important because they reduce the level of error and negative side effects. Some argue that animal testing has contributed to many life-saving cures and treatments and there is no adequate alternative to testing on a living, whole-body system. Moreover, there are regulations for animal testing that limit the misuse of animals during research. They serve as evidence that animals are well taken care of and treated well instead of being intentionally harmed.

However, some other experts and animal welfare groups have opposed such practice, considering it as inhumane(不人道的) and claiming it should be banned. According to Humane Society International, animals used in experiments are commonly subjected to force-feeding, radiation exposure, operations to deliberately cause damage and frightening situations to create depression and anxiety. They also hold the view that animals are very different from human beings and therefore are poor test subjects. Drugs that pass animal tests are not necessarily safe. Animal tests on the arthritis (关节炎) drug Vioxx showed it would have a protective effect on the hearts of mice, yet the drug went on to cause about 27,000 heart attacks before being pulled back from the market.

It’s safe to say that using animals for tests will continue to be debated in many years to come. Despite the benefits of animal testing, some of the concerns need to be addressed with adequate regulations to ensure that animals are treated humanely.

1. Why is animal testing considered necessary?

A．Rats are more similar to humans than monkeys.

B．Other testing alternatives may not replace animals.

C．Animal testing can show every side effect of drugs.

D．Animal testing has been in practice since the 12th century.

2. What suffering do animals go through during experiments according to the passage?

A．Eating poisonous food.	B．Being killed deliberately.
C．Breathing in polluted air.	D．Having unnecessary operations.

3. The author uses the example of Vioxx to tell us that ________.

A．animal testing helps find the cure for arthritis

B．some drugs need to be withdrawn from the market

C．animals cannot necessarily produce accurate results

D．a drug should be tested many more times before its release

4. Which will the author probably agree with?

A．Scientists should reduce the number of animals used in research.

B．Experts should try hard to determine whether animal tests are harmful.

C．Relevant organizations should show more concern about the animals’ welfare.

D．The authorities should issue new laws to guarantee animals’ rights during research.

6 . Unbelievable Stories of Animals Acting Just Like Humans

Horses are picky eaters

Horses have an even better sense of smell than humans do. When horses raise their noses and open their nostrils (鼻孔), their nervous system allows them to sense smells we can’t sense. This might explain why they refuse dirty water and carefully move around meadows, eating only the tastiest grasses, experts say.

Whale says thanks

In 2018, a whale expert spotted a humpback whale trapped in a fishing net and spent an hour freeing it. Afterward, in an hour-long display of thanks, the whale swam near their boat and leaped into the air about 40 times.

Pandas like to be naughty

Is there anything more lovely than a baby panda, except maybe a human baby? In fact, baby pandas sometimes behave like human babies. They sleep in the same positions and value their thumbs. Pandas are shy by nature for its shy behaviors such as covering its face with a paw or ducking its head when confronted by a stranger.

A cat honors its owner

Paper towels, and a plastic cup are just a few of the gifts that Toldo, a devoted three-year-old gray-and-white cat, has placed on his former owner Iozzelli Renzo’s grave every day since the man died in September 2018. Renzo adopted Toldo from a shelter when the cat was three months old, and the two formed an inseparable bond. After Renzo passed away, Toldo followed the coffin to the cemetery, and now “stands guard” the grave for hours at a time.

1. What can horses do to pick delicious grasses?

A．Feel them.

B．Taste them.

C．Smell them.

D．Observe them.

2. What do the whale and the cat have in common according to the passage?

A．They are clever.

B．They have a grateful heart.

C．They are active and lovely.

D．They have a good sense of smell.

3. Which of the following acts like a human baby according to the passage?

A．The whale

B．The cat.

C．The horse.

D．The panda.

7 . Once, a lioness and her cub were hunting in the jungle. The baby asked its mother, "Mother, why are we hunting when a deer is already at home?"

The mother said, "My love! We can't eat that deer because it has surrendered(投降)himself seeking our help. He is wounded and helpless. We must help him."

The baby cub was surprised and questioned again, "Why so? That's our food, we can eat it."

"Honey, you are right! It's our food and we can kill him in any second but do you think he deserves to be killed when he has come to us for protection?"

The baby cub couldn't understand her mother's vulnerability(软弱). It kept quiet and paced with its mother. At last, they didn't get anything and came back to their cave.

The deer, on the other hand, was terrified of his own decision of taking shelter in the cave. Unfortunately he had no choice! He was attacked by a hunter and somehow managed to escape. While running for his life, he saw the cave and without a second thought entered it. He had already got a shot from the hunter. When he realized he was in the lion's cave, he gave up the idea of running back again. The deer gazed at the lioness with a pitiful look, tears rolling down. He sat there as if he urged for the mercy of the lioness.

The lioness came closer to the deer, smelled it and slowly moved out of the cave with her cub.

When the lions came back, the cub asked its mother to kill the deer again. But the lioness was firm on her decision. She said, "Sweetheart! We can manage one night without any food. Tomorrow, I would definitely fetch out some food for you."

The cub said nothing, grunted(嘟哝)a little.

When the cub slept, the lioness whispered to the deer. "Run, away from this area because I doubt if I could save you any longer if the next time situation demands!".

The deer looked at the lioness with gratitude and slowly walked away from the cave.
1. What contributes to the deer's survival?

A．The hunter's mercy.	B．The lioness's sympathy.
C．The cub's understanding.	D．The lioness's vulnerability.

2. What do we know about the deer?

A．He trusted the lioness.	B．He regretted surrendering
C．He went to the cave by accident.	D．He tried to fight the lioness.

3. What does the underlined sentence imply?

A．The deer might be killed.	B．The hunter would spot the deer again.
C．The lioness could cure the deer.	D．The cub might drive the deer out.

8 . When you think of the Himalayas, you may picture tall, rocky, snow-covered peaks. But that’s not true.

The subnival (亚冰雪的) region is the zone between the treeline and the snowline. It is 5 to 5 times as large as the areas of glaciers and permanent snow, which means studying it is vital to understanding the Himalayas as a whole.

The treeline is the edge of an ecosystem where trees are able to grow, and beyond the treeline environmental conditions become too tough to allow tree growth. Meanwhile, snowlines are the boundaries on mountains that separate areas with permanent snow (where snow is present for the majority of the year) from areas with seasonal or no snow.

Researchers used satellite data from 1993 to 2018 to measure plant cover between 4,150 meters and 6,000 meters above sea level. The scientists discovered that the greatest increase in plant cover was between an altitude of 5,000 meters and 5,500 meters. Subnival plants mostly include small shrubs and grasses.

Even areas once completely occupied by glaciers now hold rocks covered with mosses, lichen, and sometimes even flowers. In addition, the snowline seems to be retreating, while the treeline is expanding. This shows that the region is becoming warmer, causing more melting of snow and allowing vegetation to move up in height.

In the past 40 years, 25% of all Himalayan ice has been lost due to global warming. Himalayan glaciers are reducing by about 0.5 meters each year. The rate of glacier melting has doubled in this decade. The melting of glaciers increases water in the region, making it wetter. Receding snow also forces the snowline to move up, providing a greater amount of area for the warm and moist conditions, which are perfect for vegetation growth.

As of now, we do not know whether vegetation will accelerate or slow down the rate of glacier melting.

1. How does the writer develop the third paragraph?

A．By explaining concepts.	B．By providing some examples.
C．By analyzing causes and effects.	D．By listing specific data.

2. What does the underlined word “retreating” mean in Paragraph 5?

A．Disappearing.

B．Lengthening.

C．Withdrawing.

D．Widening.

3. What is the direct effect of global warming on the Himalayas?

A．The snowline moves up.	B．Glaciers are melting faster.
C．The subnival area is wetter.	D．Plants grow much better.

4. What does the passage mainly talk about?

A．The climate of the Himalayas is changing.	B．Icebergs in the Himalayas have disappeared.
C．Plants are diverse in the Himalayas.	D．Plant life spreads in the Himalayas.

9 . I learned about life from an ant farm. When I was seven years old, my family _________ an ant farm at home. First, we put clean sand in a thin glass box, and then we brought some ants from the backyard and placed them into the _________ home.

Shortly after the new _________ were dropped into the glass structure, they got to work making tunnels. I was amazed that each one knew _________ what to do. After hours of staring, I realized that the ants had particular given jobs. With my mom’s help, I kept a journal of what happened each day and _________ the ants. My favorite was the biggest, Cinderella. I drew a picture of her in my journal, which I still have.

On day five a disaster _________ the ant farm. While I was observing the ants, I had put my face so close to the structure that I accidentally _______ it over. Unfortunately, my carelessness caused all the tunnels to        _______ . Although the ants _________ their earthquake, one by one they began to die. I was ____________ as I watched them give up their tunnel-building to carry the bodies to a corner of the farm. My mother reported that the ants were actually dying of “frustration”—feeling annoyed and disappointed as they couldn’t control the situation. They simply could not ____________ the reality that their tunnels had been destroyed. Cinderella was the last to die; she did so while carrying a dead ant on her back.

Although much time has passed, I still think of that ant farm. Mom had hoped it would teach me about the natural world, ____________ it taught me much more. ____________ the years, I came to realize the ants were a study in the benefits of ______________. Working together, they were able to create a（n）______________ world for themselves. I also learned that they should be ____________ for their hard work. Day in and day out, each labored at their task. The ant farm demonstrated that teamwork and perseverance are indeed two key   __________ for success. But there was an even larger lesson that I did not   ____________ until recently: Disaster is a natural part of life, and must be ______________. Unlike the ants, humans cannot give up when they face ______________. Unlike the ants, we have to realize that if a tunnel comes down, we just have to build another.

1.

A．created

B．bought

C．ran

D．laid

2.

A．empty

B．new

C．strange

D．distant

3.

A．guests

B．settlers

C．friends

D．members

4.

A．precisely

B．roughly

C．probably

D．normally

5.

A．compared

B．trained

C．named

D．measured

6.

A．affected

B．struck

C．kicked

D．beat

7.

A．split

B．took

C．tipped

D．handed

8.

A．rush out

B．break in

C．cave in

D．drop out

9.

A．experienced

B．predicted

C．faced

D．survived

10.

A．astonished

B．annoyed

C．moved

D．thrilled

11.

A．reflect

B．ignore

C．confirm

D．stand

12.

A．but

B．and

C．so

D．or

13.

A．In

B．For

C．From

D．Over

14.

A．devotion

B．teamwork

C．responsibility

D．organization

15.

A．relaxing

B．amusing

C．moving

D．amazing

16.

A．supported

B．admired

C．inspired

D．admitted

17.

A．solutions

B．approaches

C．recipes

D．circumstances

18.

A．give

B．take

C．realize

D．adopt

19.

A．accepted

B．suffered

C．escaped

D．managed

20.

A．challenges

B．barriers

C．pressure

D．disappointment

10 . Here are a few signs you can look for to see if you and your pet have love for each other.

Lying onto its back

Your cat's stomach is a very weak place. If it lies onto its back and shows its stomach, it's telling you it's comfortable around you. This doesn't necessarily mean it wants you to touch its stomach. It's mainly a sign that it feels protected when you're near since being on its back is a powerless position.

Eating out of your hand

Usually, cats won't take food from a human's hand unless it is someone they trust very much. Cats are instinctively careful, so they don't take treats easily from strangers' hands, unlike many dogs. If you can feed them snacks or food from your hand, it's a sure sign that they trust you.

Bringing you gifts

Even if you don't have a cat, you've probably heard about cats bringing their owners little "presents" in the form of dead animals. However, while you might view them as "presents" only sarcastically (讽刺地), your cat doesn't! For them, their prey stands for victory, and their instinctual nature as wild hunters. Wild cats would catch food for their young, so your cat's "gift" of its latest catch just means it considers you family.

Giving you a "thumbs up" with its tail

Cats can send all sorts of different messages just with their tails. A cat's tail is a good barometer(晴雨表) of their mood. One simple way to know if your cat trusts you is to see if its tail stands straight up, especially when it sees you or walks toward you. Some cat experts consider it to be a sign of praising in cat language.

1. What do "Lying onto its back" and "Eating out of your hand" show in common?

A．The cat wants to relax.	B．The cat feels safe.
C．The cat is grateful to you.	D．The cat hopes to reward you.

2. Why does a cat give you what it catches?

A．It wants to pay you back.	B．It is just showing off its ability.
C．It regards you as a family member.	D．It is giving a thank-you sign.

3. What does a cat probably mean by putting its tail straight up?

A．Praising you.	B．Laughing at you.
C．Forecasting weather.	D．Warning you.