London—Sheep, like turkeys and ostriches, are not considered the most clever animals. British scientists said last Wednesday humans may have underestimated the woolly creature. They could be much smarter than we think.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, southern England, have shown that the animals have a good memory system and are extremely good at recognizing faces—which they think is a sure sign of intelligence.
Behavioral scientist Keith Kendrick and his friends trained 20 sheep to recognize and distinguish 25 pairs of sheep faces and used electrodes (电极) to measure their brain activity , which showed they could remember 50 faces for up to two years .
“If they can do that with faces, they have to have reasonable intelligence; otherwise, what is the point of having a system for remembering faces and not remembering anything else?” Kendrick said in an interview.
So hours of seemingly mindless eating grass may not be so mindless after all.
Kendrick believes sheep got their reputation as dumb (unable to speak, unintelligent) animals because they live in large groups and do not appear to have much individuality and are frightened of just about everything.
“All animals, including humans, once they are frightened, don’t tend to show signs of intelligent action,” he explained.
In research reported in the science journal Nature, Kendrick and his team showed that sheep, like humans, have a specialized system in the brain which allows them to distinguish between many different faces which look extremely similar.
“The most important finding (of the study) is that they are able , both from a behavioral point of view and from looking at the way the brain is organized , to remember a large number of individuals for a very long time,” said Kendrick. “It is a very strange system. They are showing similar abilities in many ways to humans.”
1.From the first paragraph we can find that______. .
A.people used to think sheep are smarter than the other animals
B.people used to raise sheep in a wrong way
C.people don’t consider sheep as clever animals
D.people have done a lot of research on sheep
2.From what Kendrick said in the interview we learn that_____. .
A.scientists have learned everything about sheep’s intelligence
B.scientists have learned a little about sheep’s intelligence
C.scientists can’t do anything more about sheep’s memory
D.scientists do not have to research animals’ memory
3.As is known in the passage,__________.
A.sheep are among the week animals
B.it is not right for people to raise sheep in groups
C.when sheep eat grass in the field their minds may be active
D.if people feel frightened, they may become braver
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题
London—Sheep, like turkeys and ostriches, are not considered the most clever animals. British scientists said last Wednesday humans may have underestimated the woolly creature. They could be much smarter than we think.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, southern England, have shown that the animals have a good memory system and are extremely good at recognizing faces—which they think is a sure sign of intelligence.
Behavioral scientist Keith Kendrick and his friends trained 20 sheep to recognize and distinguish 25 pairs of sheep faces and used electrodes (电极) to measure their brain activity , which showed they could remember 50 faces for up to two years .
“If they can do that with faces, they have to have reasonable intelligence; otherwise, what is the point of having a system for remembering faces and not remembering anything else?” Kendrick said in an interview.
So hours of seemingly mindless eating grass may not be so mindless after all.
Kendrick believes sheep got their reputation as dumb (unable to speak, unintelligent) animals because they live in large groups and do not appear to have much individuality and are frightened of just about everything.
“All animals, including humans, once they are frightened, don’t tend to show signs of intelligent action,” he explained.
In research reported in the science journal Nature, Kendrick and his team showed that sheep, like humans, have a specialized system in the brain which allows them to distinguish between many different faces which look extremely similar.
“The most important finding (of the study) is that they are able , both from a behavioral point of view and from looking at the way the brain is organized , to remember a large number of individuals for a very long time,” said Kendrick. “It is a very strange system. They are showing similar abilities in many ways to humans.”
1.From the first paragraph we can find that______. .
A.people used to think sheep are smarter than the other animals
B.people used to raise sheep in a wrong way
C.people don’t consider sheep as clever animals
D.people have done a lot of research on sheep
2.From what Kendrick said in the interview we learn that_____. .
A.scientists have learned everything about sheep’s intelligence
B.scientists have learned a little about sheep’s intelligence
C.scientists can’t do anything more about sheep’s memory
D.scientists do not have to research animals’ memory
3.As is known in the passage,__________.
A.sheep are among the week animals
B.it is not right for people to raise sheep in groups
C.when sheep eat grass in the field their minds may be active
D.if people feel frightened, they may become braver
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Sheep Smarter than Thought
London—Sheep, like turkeys and ostriches, are not considered the most clever animals. British scientists said last Wednesday humans may have underestimated the woolly creature. They could be much smarter than we think.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, southern England, have shown that the animals have a good memory system and are extremely good at recognizing faces—which they think is a sure sign of intelligence.
Behavioral scientist Keith Kendrick and his friends trained 20 sheep to recognize and distinguish 25 pairs of sheep faces and used electrodes (电极) to measure their brain activity , which showed they could remember 50 faces for up to two years .
“If they can do that with faces, they have to have reasonable intelligence; otherwise, what is the point of having a system for remembering faces and not remembering anything else?” Kendrick said in an interview.
So hours of seemingly mindless eating grass may not be so mindless after all.
Kendrick believes sheep got their reputation as dumb (unable to speak, unintelligent) animals because they live in large groups and do not appear to have much individuality and are frightened of just about everything.
“All animals, including humans, once they are frightened, don’t tend to show signs of intelligent action,” he explained.
In research reported in the science journal Nature, Kendrick and his team showed that sheep, like humans, have a specialized system in the brain which allows them to distinguish between many different faces which look extremely similar.
“The most important finding (of the study) is that they are able , both from a behavioral point of view and from looking at the way the brain is organized , to remember a large number of individuals for a very long time,” said Kendrick. “It is a very strange system. They are showing similar abilities in many ways to humans.”
1.From the first paragraph we can find that______. .
A.people used to think sheep are smarter than the other animals
B.people used to raise sheep in a wrong way
C.people don’t consider sheep as clever animals
D.people have done a lot of research on sheep
2.From what Kendrick said in the interview we learn that_____. .
A.scientists have learned everything about sheep’s intelligence
B.scientists have learned a little about sheep’s intelligence
C.scientists can’t do anything more about sheep’s memory
D.scientists do not have to research animals’ memory
3.As is known in the passage,__________.
A.sheep are among the week animals
B.it is not right for people to raise sheep in groups
C.when sheep eat grass in the field their minds may be active
D.if people feel frightened, they may become braver
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Sheep Smarter than Thought
London—Sheep, like turkeys and ostriches, are not considered the most clever animals. British scientists said last Wednesday humans may have underestimated the woolly creature. They could be much smarter than we think.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, southern England, have shown that the animals have a good memory system and are extremely good at recognizing faces—which they think is a sure sign of intelligence.
Behavioral scientist Keith Kendrick and his friends trained 20 sheep to recognize and distinguish 25 pairs of sheep faces and used electrodes (电极) to measure their brain activity , which showed they could remember 50 faces for up to two years .
“If they can do that with faces, they have to have reasonable intelligence; otherwise, what is the point of having a system for remembering faces and not remembering anything else?” Kendrick said in an interview.
So hours of seemingly mindless eating grass may not be so mindless after all.
Kendrick believes sheep got their reputation as dumb (unable to speak, unintelligent) animals because they live in large groups and do not appear to have much individuality and are frightened of just about everything.
“All animals, including humans, once they are frightened, don’t tend to show signs of intelligent action,” he explained.
In research reported in the science journal Nature, Kendrick and his team showed that sheep, like humans, have a specialized system in the brain which allows them to distinguish between many different faces which look extremely similar.
“The most important finding (of the study) is that they are able , both from a behavioral point of view and from looking at the way the brain is organized , to remember a large number of individuals for a very long time,” said Kendrick. “It is a very strange system. They are showing similar abilities in many ways to humans.”
1.From the first paragraph we can find that______.
A.people used to think sheep are smarter than the other animals
B.people used to raise sheep in a wrong way
C.people don’t consider sheep as clever animals
D.people have done a lot of research on sheep
2.From what Kendrick said in the interview we learn that_____.
A.scientists have learned everything about sheep’s intelligence
B.scientists have learned a little about sheep’s intelligence
C.scientists can’t do anything more about sheep’s memory
D.scientists do not have to research animals’ memory
3.As is known in the passage,__________.
A.sheep are among the week animals
B.it is not right for people to raise sheep in groups
C.when sheep eat grass in the field their minds may be active
D.if people feel frightened, they may become braver
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Considering the temperate climate in England, most tourists like to visit London between April and September. Tourists also enjoy what London has to offer during Christmas.
Getting around London
Transportation in London is divided into zones, meaning the further you intend to go, the more expensive it will cost you. You’ll find one of the best subways here, with single rides starting at about $ 2.5. You can also use taxis (keep in mind that black cabs do not accept smart cards), boats, buses as well as commuter trains (市郊火车). To avoid any trouble, you can get yourself a smart card and perhaps load it with $ 50 dollars to cover your weekly travel budget.
London Weather
To enjoy warm weather in London, plan your visit in July as it is the hottest month. January is the coldest month in London.
What you should Know Before Visiting London
Unlike most cities in Europe, life in London is a bit more expensive. Also, make sure you plan ahead so that you don’t miss out on the best tickets, hotels and offers.
BEST OF LONDON
SEALIFE London Aquarium
Enjoy a spectacular experience with underwater creatures at SEALIFE London aquarium. It is perfect for a family fun day.
The Coca-Cola London Eye
A major feature of London’s skyline, the The Coca-Cola London Eye boasts some of the best city views from its 32 capsules. You’ll definitely enjoy the breathtaking experience.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
A perfect place to visit if you love books and music.
1.The peak month to visit London is most likely to be _____
A.January B.March C.May D.October
2.What is good about a smart card?
A.It can be paid for any transport means. B.It can cover any expenses.
C.It is available online. D.It is convenient.
3.If your family want to see a variety of fish, you will go to _____.
A.SEALIFE London Aquarium B.The Coca-Cola London Eye
C.Sherlock Holmes Museum D.London Canal Museum
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Have you ever imagined that you could be cloned(克隆) like Dolly, the sheep, in the not too distant future?
The news that a human embryo(胚胎) has been 16 cloned for the first time has caused mixed reactions(反应).
The 17 was carried out by scientists from the Advanced Cell Technology Inc(ACT), in Massachusetts, US. The group 18 the news on November 25.
This is 19 human being. A clone is alive, it walks, it breathes, said Jamie Grifo, a(n)20 on the study of cloning at New York University School of Medicine.
“This is a set of cells in a lab that will be used to 21 someone’s life.”
Such research could lead to treatment for 22 such as heart disease, AIDS and even cancer,23 scientists.
Despite high hopes from other scientists, the news raised concerns immediately from religious and political leaders. Several 24 in the US do not allow human cloning. President George W. Bush also made it clear that he is 25 any type of human cloning. However, the scientists at ACT said they have no interest at present in 26 an early embryo into 27 .
Animal have been cloned repeatedly since Dolly, the sheep 28 in 1997. And there were no real technical 29 to stand in the way of scientists making a cloned human embryo.
This time the research group used traditional cloning technology with a human 30 . 31 it was given DNA from an adult cell, the egg began to 32 . 33 it was stopped from becoming a baby-at a stage in which it was 34 a ball of cells. The 35 technology has been used to clone sheep , cattle and monkeys.
1. A. in failure B. never C. successfully D. not
2.A. research B. report C. works D. task
3. A. made known B. made C. said D. had
4.A. a cloned B. a man-made C. a D. not a cloned
5.A. worker B. head C. expert D. assistant
6.A. save B. rescue C. cure D. treat
7. A. patients B. health C. diseases D. things
8.A. according to B. including C. besides D. argued
9.A. countries B. nations C. peoples D. states
10.A. for B. against C. researching for D. praising
11. A. developing B. building C. inventing D. discovering
12. A. a baby B. a man C. a woman D. a white man
13.A. died B. appeared C. turned up D. was no more
14. A. questions B. affairs C. business D. problems
15.A. egg B. bless C. meat D. cell
16.A. Before B. After C. While D. And
17.A. grow B. die C. change D. grow up
18.A. And B. But C. However D. Yet
19.A. yet B. still C. not D. /
20. A. different B. usual C. ordinary D. same
高二英语完型填空简单题查看答案及解析
Here are four fun Thanksgiving tradition facts.
Turkey and cranberry sauce (小红莓果酱)
While the Native Americans and Pilgrims are believed to have feasted on geese, lobster, cod and deer, present-day Thanksgiving dinners mainly feature turkey. Some experts believe the birds were selected because they were cheper, and easier to rise. The bird was suggested by Sarah Josepha Hale to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. Since President Abraham Lincoln loved roasted turkey, he happily included the bird on his Thanksgiving menu. The idea of pairing the bird with cranberry sauce is believed to be the brainchild of Civil War Union General Ulysses S. Grant in 1864.
Turkey Trots
Many Americans build up their appetites (食欲) for the holiday feast by participating in their town or city's morning runs, or "Turkey Trots". The fun tradition was started in 1896 by six people of Buffalo, New York. It is the world's oldest footrace, attracting over 14,000 runners of all ages and abilities every year.
Thanksgiving parades
American retailer Macy's has been holding a Thanksgiving parade along Manhattan's 77th Street and Central Pack West since 1924. Though the popular event, which attracts over 3.5 million people in person and about 50 million television viewers, now contains giant floats (花车), the first parade featured animals from New York's Central Park Zoo.
The Presidential turkey pardon
Every year, two lucky turkeys escape the Thanksgiving table due to a special pardoning supported by the US president. People credit the fun tradition to President Harry Truman (April 12, 1945 to January 20, 1953). Though at first, just one bird could be freed, a "spare" was added in 1981, after a turkey named Liberty escaped by accident before President Ronald Reagan was able to grant (授予) his pardon at the ceremony.
1.Which of the following traditions has the longest history?
A.Turkey Trots. B.Thanksgiving parades.
C.Turkey and cranberry sauce. D.The Presidential turkey pardon.
2.Which is a benefit of many Americans observing the tradition "Turkey Trots"?
A.Building good relationships with others. B.Winning awards given by the government.
C.Adding a new tradition to the festival. D.Physically preparing for the coming holiday feast.
3.The presidential turkey pardon was changed in 1981 probably to ___________.
A.make it easy to name the turkeys B.attract more people to participate
C.give the pardoned turkey a partner D.make sure the pardon could be carried out
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Tulips(郁金香) are the national flower of Iran and Turkey. The European name for the flower is a misuse of the Persian word for turban(头巾), a mistake probably arising in the common Turkish custom of wearing flowers in the folds of the turban. Alternatively, the misuse may have arisen because this eastern flower, when not yet in full bloom, looks like a turban. In Persia, to give a red tulip was to declare your love for someone. The black center of the red tulip was said to represent the lover’s heart, burned to a coal by love’s passion.
Originally growing in the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey), tulips were imported into Holland in the sixteenth century. When Carolus Clusius wrote the first major book on tulips in 1592, they became so popular that the tulips in his garden were stolen from time to time. As the Dutch Golden Age grew, so did this colorful flower. They were commonly seen in paintings and at festivals. In the mid-seventeenth century, tulips even created the first economics bubble(泡沫经济), known as “Tulip Mania”. At that time, tulips were so expensive that they were used as money until the market for them crashed.
Today, Holland is still known for its tulips and other flowers, often sincerely called “the flower shop of the world.” Tulips are planted in great fields of beautiful color, and transform the landscape into a sea of different colors. Tulip festivals are held throughout the country in spring. However, the most well-known tulip festival is organized in the Noordoostpolder, a province in the central Netherlands, each year. Held in the middle of the tulip fields, this flower festival runs from late April to early May. The Dutch people took their love of tulips abroad when they settled, and tulips and tulip festivals are now found in New York and Michigan, where the connection to their Dutch roots is still very strong.
1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the first paragraph?
A. The origin of tulips. B. The meaning of tulips.
C. What tulips look like. D. How tulips were named.
2.What can we learn from the text?
A. Carolus Clusius’ book made people import tulips into Holland.
B. Holland is called “the flower shop of the world” because of the tulip.
C. The tulip festival in the Noordoostpolder is sometimes held indoors.
D. Holland is not the birthplace of tulips.
3.What is the last paragraph mainly about?
A. The Dutch people’s love of tulips.
B. Tulip festivals in Holland and abroad.
C. Noordoostpolder, the tulip shop of the world.
D. Tulips and the landscape of Holland.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Australian scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in order to cut the greenhouse gases they send out, which are thought to be responsible for global warming.
Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroo flatulence(肠胃气胀)contains no methane(甲烷)and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who produce large quantities of the harmful gas.
While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a huge chimney pushing out carbon dioxide, animals at home contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries. “Fourteen percent of emissions from all sources in Australia is from methane from cattle and sheep,” said Athol Kleve, a senior research scientist with the Queensland state government.
And if you look at another country such as New Zealand, which has got a much higher agricultural base, they're actually up around 50 percent, ” he said.
Researchers say the bacteria also make the digestive process much more efficient and could potentially save millions of dollars in feed costs for farmers. But it will take researchers at least three years to isolate (分离) the bacteria, before they can even start to develop a way of transferring it to cattle and sheep.
Another group of scientists, meanwhile, has suggested Australians should farm fewer cattle and sheep and just eat more kangaroos. People are still arguing about this, but about 20 percent of health-conscious Australians are believed to eat the national symbol already.“It's low in fat, it’s got high protein levels and it's very clean in the sense that basically it's the free-range (放养的) animal,” said Peter Amp of the University of New South Wales's institute of environmental studies.
1.Scientists try to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep to __________.
A. help them fight against different diseases.
B. reduce the amount of greenhouse gases.
C. get rid of the bacteria in their stomachs.
D. protect them from quantities of harmful gas.
2. The advantage of transferring the bacteria to cattle and sheep is that_____________.
A. it will take the researchers a long time.
B. cattle and sheep will eat more than usual.
C. it will help the farmers to save money.
D. the bacteria will make them grow quickly.
3. From this passage we can infer that___________.
A. scientists still don’t know how to transfer the bacteria to cattle and sheep.
B. people in Australia depend on kangaroos for food at the present time.
C. 14% of the greenhouse gases in New Zealand is from cattle and sheep.
D. nobody in Australia will be allowed to farm cattle and sheep in the future.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Australian scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in order to cut he greenhouse gases they send out, which are thought to be responsible for global warming.
Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroo flatulence(肠胃气胀)contains no methane(甲烷)and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who produce large quantities of the harmful gas.
While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack (烟囱) pushing out carbon dioxide, farm animals’ passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions (排放物)in some countries.
“Fourteen percent of emissions from all sources in Australia are from enteric methane from cattle and sheep,” said Athol Kleve, a senior research scientist with the Queensland state government.
“And if you look at another country such as New Zealand, which has got a much higher agricultural base, they're actually up around 50 percent, ” he said.
Researchers say the bacteria also make the digestive process much more efficient and could potentially save millions of dollars in feed costs for farmers.
But it will take researchers at least three years to isolate (分离) the bacteria, before they can even start to develop a way of transferring it to cattle and sheep.
Another group of scientists, meanwhile, has suggested Australians should farm fewer cattle and sheep and just eat more kangaroos.
The idea is controversial (有争议的), but about 20 percent of health-conscious Australians are believed to eat the national symbol already.
“It's low in fat, it’s got high protein levels and it's very clean in the sense that basically it's the free-range (放养的) animal,” said Peter Amp of the University of New South Wales's institute of environmental studies.
1.Scientists intend to put bacteria into cattle and sheep _________.
A. so that they can make full use of special bacteria
B. to help Australian farmers to earn more money
C. so that they can protect Australian ecosystem
D. to prevent them from sending out harmful gases
2.Athol Kleve seems to believe that ________.
A. cattle and sheep produce more carbon dioxide
B. less cattle and sheep are raised in New Zealand
C. farm animals are responsible for greenhouse gases
D. New Zealand has the most animals in the world
3.What do the underlined words “the idea” in paragraph 9 refer to?
A. Australians should farm fewer cattle and sheep and just eat more kangaroos.
B. The bacteria could make the digestive process much more efficient.
C. Australians should give kangaroo - style stomachs to cattle and sheep.
D. The bacteria could save millions of dollars in feed costs for farmers.
4.Which of the statements is the advantage Peter Amp lists about kangaroo?
A. it is rich in protein B. it is cheaper than beef
C. it is high in fat D. it is more delicious than sheep
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
You are not________ to smoke in the hospital.
A.known B.supposed C.regarded D.considered
高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析