1 . Small-scale fisheries supply many people with food. Almost all of those in this trade rely on gillnets (刺网) to trap fish. But gillnets trap other things, for example, endangered animals such as turtles; dangerous ones, such as Humboldt squid; and ones that are both endangered and dangerous, such as several types of sharks. Everyone involved would be better off if this did not happen.
Building on studies done both by himself and by others, to try to avoid the accidental netting of turtles, Jesse Senko, a marine-conservation biologist at Arizona State University, has been investigating the idea of fitting LEDs (发光二极管) to nets to avoid netting other unwanted by-catch without discouraging target animals. And, as he reports in Current Biology, it seems to work.
Dr. Senko and his colleagues set up an experiment in the Gulf of Ulloa, in Mexico, in which they cooperated with local fisher folks to employ over 10,000 meters of net s that had had net s battery-powered waterproof green LEDs fitted onto them every ten meters. In half of the these, lights were lit. The other half were left unlit, as controls. Each lit net was paired with an unlit one, and the two were employed alongside one another at prime fishing locations. The fishers' target fish were large groupers. Dr. Senko was interested both in what else got caught and whether the lights decreased catches of the target species.
On the latter point, to his relief, they did not. On the former, the lit net s caught 95% fewer kilograms of shark-related species. In particular, several threatened species turned up less often in the lit than the unlit nets.
The advantage from the point of view of fisher folks was that they needed to spend a lot less time clearing these dangerous by-catches from their nets. And, crucially, the LEDs concerned are cheap, hard-wearing, and easy to fit. There are also plans to make them solar powered, for easy recharging. Here, then, is a conservation idea from which everyone wins.
1. What is the problem with gillnets?| A．They are costly to maintain. | B．They discourage target catches. |
| C．They need more time to be cleaned. | D．They trap unwanted by-catches. |
| A．The principle of the experiment. | B．The effect of the experiment. |
| C．The purpose of the experiment. | D．The process of the experiment. |
| A．The LEDs are easy to recharge. |
| B．Gillnets will soon be out of date. |
| C．Fitting LEDs to gillnets is a win-win idea. |
| D．Fisher folks benefit the most from the idea. |
| A．Indifferent. | B．Hopeful. | C．Ambiguous. | D．Doubtful. |
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。
The Palace Museum in Beijing, the capital of China, is becoming waste-free. The 720,000-square-meter structure has managed
While
By launching the campaign, the Palace Museum is taking a science-based and cautious approach to waste. The target is to minimize the generation of waste that needs to be buried
Up till now,
3 . For the history of life on Earth, organisms have relied on the light of the sun, moon, and stars to find their way and schedule their lives. While the beginning of electric lighting in the late 19th century may have benefited humans, it has caused problems in the natural world. Among the impacts of artificial light at night(ALAN), light pollution lures migrating birds to cities with shocking consequences, contributes to the alarming decline in insect populations, and convinces sea turtle babies to amble(缓行)away from the water instead of towards it.
Now, a new study from the University of Plymouth adds another disappointing finding about how ALAN is affecting the creatures with whom we share the planet: Light pollution from coastal cities can trick corals(珊瑚)into reproducing outside of the optimum times when they would normally reproduce.
Using a combination of light pollution data and spawning(产卵)observations, researchers were able to show for the first time that corals exposed to ALAN are spawning one to three days earlier and closer to the full moon compared to those on unlit corals. “That shift may reduce the survival and fertilization success of gametes(配子)and genetic connectivity between nearby lit and unlit coral systems,” they explain.
“Corals are among the most biodiverse, economically important, and threatened ecosystems on the planet,” write the authors of the study.
“Climate change has led to mass bleaching(褪色)events. Habitat destruction, fisheries, and pollution have reduced corals substantially since the 1950s,” they write, adding, “The complete loss of corals is anticipated over the next 100 years.”
If we want to reduce the harm ALAN is causing, we could perhaps look to delay the switching-on of night-time lighting in coastal regions to ensure the natural dark period between sunset and moonrise when coral reproduction remains undisturbed.
1. Why is the first paragraph written?| A．To present the topic of the text. | B．To advocate energy conservation. |
| C．To explain a natural phenomenon. | D．To provide background information. |
| A．Possible. | B．Appropriate. | C．Flexible. | D．Sensitive. |
| A．Extinction. | B．Losing value. |
| C．Terrible diseases. | D．Exposure to moonlight. |
| A．Creatures Rely on Natural Lights to Schedule Their Life |
| B．Night-time Lighting Shortens Natural Dark Period |
| C．Coastal Lights Trick Corals into Early Spawning |
| D．Light Pollution Leads to Serious Consequences |
4 . Bees are more than just honey-makers, They are essential pollinators (传粉者) that help maintain the balance of our ecosystems and the diversity of our crops. Bees are among the most diverse and plentiful insects on Earth, with over 20,000 species worldwide. They belong to the order Hymenoptera (膜翅目昆虫), which also includes wasps, ants, and sawflies.
Bees have evolved to feed on nectar (花蜜) and pollen from flowers, and in doing so, they transfer pollen from one flower to another, enabling fertilization (受精) and reproduction. This process, called pollination, is essential for the survival of many plants, especially those that produce fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables that we eat.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), bees and other pollinators affect 35% of global agricultural land, supporting the production of 87% of the leading food crops worldwide.
Pollination also enhances the quality and quantity of the crops, as well as their resistance to pests and diseases. Without bees and other pollinators, our food supply and our biodiversity would be at risk.
Unfortunately, bees are facing many threats, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, diseases, and invasive species. The FAO estimates that 16.5％ of vertebrate (脊椎动物) pollinators and 40% of invertebrate pollinators, such as bees, are facing extinction. This could have serious consequences for our food security, our livelihoods, and our environment.
Therefore, it is important to protect the bees and their habitats, and to raise awareness about their role and value.
One way to appreciate and support the bees is to learn how to identify them and observe their behavior. You might be surprised by the diversity and beauty of the bees that visit your backyard, garden, or balcony.
1. Why are pollinators important?| A．They help the bees fertilize. | B．They keep the crops diverse. |
| C．They support the bees to make honey. | D．They protect insects such as wasps. |
| A．How pollination works. | B．How the flowers attract bees. |
| C．How the bees reproduce. | D．How the plants produce fruits. |
| A．Climate change. | B．Pesticide use. |
| C．Pollinators’ survival crisis. | D．Bees’ habitat loss. |
| A．A duty: Protect Bees’ Habitat | B．A Means: Observe Bees’ Behaviour |
| C．Bees: Maintainers of the Ecosystem | D．Bees: Consumers at the Top of the Food Chain |
5 . Ecofriendly replacement products for single-use plastics are appearing everywhere. But have you heard of edible (可食性的) straws? Now EQUO, a new eco-friendly company in Vietnam has come up with a natural edible solution to plastic or paper straws.
The edible straws are completely plastic free, nontoxic, chemical free, and 100 percent biodegradable according to a company press release.
“It’s well known that plastic straws are harmful to the environment. Most of the 500 million used every day in America end up in oceans where they pollute water and harm marine life. Currently over eight billion straws pollute the world’s beaches,” said Marina Tran-Vu in the press release. “Although there are some plastic and paper straw alternatives on the market, most are environmentally harmful, and we were also unsatisfied with the quality and lasting of paper straws.”
All of the materials are locally from regions that support sustainable farming according to the company’s website and they struggle to have zero-net influence by” using the power of mother nature”. The name of the company was created by combining “ECO” — meaning environmentally friendly — with “STATUS QUO” — meaning the existent state. EQU stands for creating products that have minimal influence on the environment. The company was first shown on Kickstarter on May 18 and hit their funding goal in only 30 days.
Many countries are banning single-use plastics. The EU banned 10 single-use plastic products including straws that will take effect in 2021. Other items that will no longer be made of plastic include cutlery (餐具), and balloon sticks. These 10 items make up a large percentage of ocean waste that harms marine life.
So do your part, use biodegradable cutlery — you can carry your own , edible straws, and reusable water or coffee cups. These small items can contribute to reducing plastic waste.
1. What is the third paragraph mainly about?| A．The popularity of plastic straws. |
| B．The harm of plastic straws. |
| C．The pollution of beaches. |
| D．The necessity of change. |
| A．It means the original aim. |
| B．It means the existent state. |
| C．It means how to create products. |
| D．It means being good for the environment. |
| A．Plastic straws will be forbidden. |
| B．Edible straws will be sold cheaply. |
| C．Ocean waste can be rid completely. |
| D．Single-use plastic products will disappear. |
| A．Skeptical. | B．Objective. | C．Tolerant. | D．Approving. |
6 . We Need to Think about Conservation on a Different Timescale
Time, perceived by humans in days, months, and years, contrasts with nature’s grander scales of centuries and millennia, referred to as “deep time.” While paleontologists (古生物学者) are trained to think in deep time, conservationists are realizing the challenges it poses. Shortsightedness about time limits modern conservation, with efforts often overlooking past healthy conditions of ecosystems in the context of climate and biodiversity crises.
The shifting baseline syndrome (综合症), where standards in a place change gradually, makes conservation more complex. It involves evaluating ecosystems primarily on their recent past, often with negative consequences.
Recent shifts in California’s forest management practices, from stopping fires to embracing Indigenous knowledge of controlled burns, exemplify the importance of understanding historical ecosystem dynamics. To enhance conservation, adopting a deep-time approach is crucial.
Modern mathematical modeling, combined with long-term data, offers a pathway for preserving ecosystems. In California’s kelp (海带、海藻) forest, researchers identified an overlooked keystone species — the extinct Seller’s Sea Cow (大海牛). By examining past kelp forests, a deeper story impacting regeneration was revealed. The sea cow, a massive plant-cater, contributed to a diverse, vital undergrowth by trimming kelp and letting light reach the area.
The researchers put forward a novel approach to kelp forest restoration: selectively harvesting kelp, imitating the sea cow’s impact. This strategy, considering historical dynamics, challenges assumptions about recent ecosystems and offers new conservation methods.
Rather than only focusing on removing urchins (海胆) or reintroducing sea otters, the researchers suggest employing teams of humans to selectively harvest kelp, as the Steller’s sea cow once did, to encourage fresh growth. This sustainable harvest could benefit both the ecosystem and human consumption.
In short, assumptions based on the recent past may impede the understanding and protection of ecosystems. On the other hand, the application of controlled burns, similar modeling studies, and a deep-time perspective (视角) could significantly transform conservation efforts. Recognizing our role in an ongoing narrative spanning millions of years is essential, urging a comprehensive understanding of ecosystems through time. Embracing this role is crucial for shaping the future and establishing vital connections from the past to the future.
1. What is the “shifting baseline syndrome,” mentioned in the passage?| A．A syndrome that affects human beings’ perception of time. |
| B．A phenomenon where ecological standards shift in a place. |
| C．A psychological disorder common among conservationists. |
| D．A condition where ecosystems change gradually over time. |
| A．It promotes the prevention of wildfires. | B．It aids in mathematical modeling efforts. |
| C．It helps reveal historical ecosystem dynamics. | D．It enhances human consumption of ecosystems. |
| A．Reform. | B．Disrupt. | C．Quicken. | D．Deepen. |
| A．Shifting baseline syndrome has positive ecological changes. |
| B．Mathematical modeling with the latest data can be effective. |
| C．Deep-time perspective and historical dynamics are crucial. |
| D．Recent history is more preferred in ecosystem restoration. |
7 . US forests could become a “substantial carbon source” by 2070, suggesting that forests could worsen global warming instead of easing it, a new Agriculture Department report says.
US forests currently absorb 11 percent of US carbon emissions (释放), equal to the combined emissions from 40 coal power plants. The report predicts that the ability of forests to absorb carbon will start declining after 2025 and that forests could emit up to 100 million metric tons of carbon a year as their emissions from decaying (腐烂) trees go beyond their carbon absorption.
The prediction suggests that this will require the US to cut emissions more rapidly to reach net zero, according to Lynn Riley, a senior manager of climate science. “Eleven percent of our domestic emissions. That is a really significant portion,” Riley said. “As we work to decarbonize... forests are one of the greatest tools available. If we were to lose that, it means the US will contribute that much more” in emissions. The report also assesses and predicts the extent of renewable resources provided by the nation’s forests and undeveloped landscapes, including farmlands, wetlands and grasslands.
According to the report, the loss of carbon absorption is driven in part by natural disasters which are increasing in frequency and strength as global temperatures rise. Development in forested areas, which the report predicts will continue to increase, is having the same effect as people increasingly move to the so-called wildland urban areas. Aging forests also contribute as older, mature trees absorb less carbon than younger trees of the same species, and the US forests are rapidly aging.
More aggressive forest management can help by cutting down a small portion of aging forests to make ways for younger trees that absorb more carbon. A thorough study of each forest should be done before removing older trees, Riley said.
1. Why could US forests become a “substantial carbon source”?| A．They fail to absorb enough carbon. | B．They begin to emit carbon increasingly. |
| C．They may emit more carbon than absorb. | D．Mature trees outnumber young trees. |
| A．US forests have lost their role in carbon absorption. |
| B．It is urgent for the US to reduce carbon emissions. |
| C．The US has contributed to 11% carbon emissions. |
| D．The loss of forests contributes to less carbon emissions. |
| A．Improper tree species. | B．Removal of aging trees. |
| C．Decreasing urban development. | D．Frequent severe natural disasters. |
| A．Aging Forests —a Major Emitter of Carbon. |
| B．Growing Forests —a Solution to Carbon Emissions. |
| C．Reducing Forests —a Threat to Global Warming. |
| D．Decaying Forests —a Consequence of Global Warming. |
8 . In 2014, a sophomore student at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts went with friends for a birthday celebration to Beijing Zoo. Little did he know that a chance
Fast-forward to today, Xu, a Beijing native, has
Each day, he spends several hours diving deep under the waves to observe and
For Xu, who had been studying Peking Opera since childhood, becoming a coral conservationist was an
“The coral organism is quite sensitive to its environment and has extremely high
| A．accident | B．encounter | C．application | D．performance |
| A．moved | B．driven | C．appealed | D．signaled |
| A．educator | B．ambassador | C．artist | D．conservationist |
| A．approve | B．increase | C．document | D．smooth |
| A．separated | B．relieved | C．preserved | D．fascinated |
| A．actively | B．finally | C．universally | D．skillfully |
| A．teach | B．arrange | C．encourage | D．force |
| A．impractical | B．unexpected | C．unfortunate | D．unacceptable |
| A．frequent | B．expand | C．manage | D．improve |
| A．selling | B．observing | C．farming | D．decorating |
| A．answered for | B．brought in | C．searched for | D．gave out |
| A．requirements | B．reputations | C．periods | D．priorities |
| A．pure | B．good | C．confusing | D．strict |
| A．evidence | B．care | C．equipment | D．knowledge |
| A．map | B．home | C．platform | D．container |
9 . Across the world, humans purchase around 1.3 billion single-use plastic water bottles a day. Because only about 9% of plastic is recycled, the vast majority of those bottles wind up in landfills, the ocean, or elsewhere in nature.
When beach-loving Madison noticed those plastic bottles during her family’s trips to California, the 12-year-old “just felt like this needed to change,” she told Smithsonian Magazine.
So as she began thinking about what to do for her school science fair back in 2021, the idea of a project centered on reducing plastic pollution quickly came to her mind: she would design an eatable water bottle called the Eco-Hero.
“One of my biggest ambitions for my project was wanting to help the world,” the confident young inventor said in a video on the website.
To bring her idea to life, Madison built upon the already established method by experimenting with common food materials. She also took inspiration from previous versions of eatable water bottles, though she focused on making hers bigger and more durable. She found that the combination of water, lemon juice, natural gum, and Alginic acid (褐藻酸) resulted in a gel pouch that wouldn’t break, could hold up to 3/4 cup of water, and would last in the fridge for three weeks.
Though she’d like to improve the Eco-Hero by making it able to hold more water, she believes her current version would work well as a replacement for the paper cups used by runners in races. All one needs to do is bite a hole in the water ball, drink the water, and then eat the pouch or throw it away to biodegrade.
Madison hopes the Eco-Hero inspires others to take better care of the planet. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be in a big way,” she told Smithsonian. “People can still make a difference in the world, even if it’s just in a small way.”
1. What inspired Madison’s design of an eatable water bottle?| A．Her school’s task. | B．Her family’s urge. |
| C．Her love for nature. | D．Her trips to the beach. |
| A．It is a copy of the previous versions. |
| B．It is made from unbreakable materials. |
| C．It is an improvement in size and durability. |
| D．It has a hole and should be disposed once used. |
| A．Ambitious and creative. | B．Talented and determined. |
| C．Courageous and confident. | D．Cooperative and committed. |
| A．A good beginning is half done. | B．Small people make big moves. |
| C．Where there is a will, there is a way. | D．God helps those who help themselves. |
10 . A rainforest is an area covered by tall trees with the total high rainfall spreading quite equally through the year and the temperature rarely dipping below16℃. Rainforests have a great effect on the world environment because they can take in heat from the sun and adjust the climate. Without the forest cover, these areas would reflect more heat into the atmosphere, warming the rest of the world. Losing the rainforests may also influence wind and rainfall patterns, potentially causing certain natural disasters all over the world.
In the past hundred years, humans have begun destroying rainforests in search of three major resources: land for crops, wood for paper and other products, land for raising farm animals. This action affects the environment as a whole. For example, a lot of carbon dioxide(二氧化碳)in the air comes from burning the rainforests. People obviously have a need for the resources we gain from cutting trees but we will suffer much more than we will benefit.
There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, when people cut down trees generally they can only use the land for a year or two. Secondly, cutting large sections of rainforests may provide a good supply of wood right now, but in the long run it actually reduces the world’s wood supply.
Rainforests are often called the world’s drug store. More than 25% of the medicines we use today come from plants in rainforests. However, fewer than 1% of rainforest plants have been examined for their medical value. It is extremely likely that our best chance to cure diseases lies somewhere in the world’s shrinking rainforests.
1. Why can rainforests help to adjust the climate?| A．They reflect more heat into the atmosphere. |
| B．They bring about high rainfall throughout the world. |
| C．They reduce the effect of heat from the sun on the earth. |
| D．They rarely cause the temperature to drop lower than 16℃. |
| A．There is great medicine potential in rainforests. |
| B．The level of annual rainfall affects wind patterns. |
| C．We can get enough resources without rainforests. |
| D．We will grow fewer kinds of crops in the gained land. |
| A．Rainforests and Medical Development | B．Rainforests and the Environment |
| C．How to Save Rainforests | D．How to Protect Nature |
