Scientists are working to develop crop plants that can reduce the amount of water used for agriculture. Almost sixty percent of the world’s freshwater withdrawals from rivers, lakes and other water resources go toward irrigating fields.
Scientists are using biotechnology as well as traditional breeding methods to develop water-saving crops to feed a growing world.
Thomas “Tommy” Carter is a plant scientist in North Carolina. He works for the Agricultural Research Service in the United States Department of Agriculture. He leads Team Drought, a group of researchers at five universities. They have been using conventional breeding methods to develop and test soybeans that can grow well under dry conditions.
Tommy Carter started working on drought-resistant soybeans in 1981. His research has taken him as far as China, where soybeans have been grown for thousands of years.
Farmers in the United States, however, have grown soybeans for only about a century. Tommy Carter says the soybeans they grow are for the most part genetically similar. More differences could better protect crops against climate changes that can reduce production. Those changes include water shortages which could increase from global warming.
The Agriculture Department has a soybean germplasm(胚质) collection, a collection of genetic material passed from one generation to the next. Members of Team Drought studied more than 2,500 examples from the collection.
They looked at ones from the home of soybeans, Asia. They searched for germplasms that could keep plants from weakening and wilting (凋谢)during hot, dry summers in the United States.
Tommy Carter says they found only five. But these slow-wilting lines, he says, produce four to eight bushels(英斗)more than normal soybeans under drought conditions. The yield depends on location and environment.
Scientists are also working on other plants that either use less water or use it better, or both. For example, companies like Monsanto, DuPont and Syngenta have been developing corn with reduced water needs. Monsanto expects to be ready in a few years to market its first corn seeds genetically engineered to resist drought.
1.According to the passage, scientists try to find out how to _______.
A. grow crops with less water
B. increase crop production
C. feed a growing world
D. save the world’s water resource
2.Why did Tommy Carter come to China?
A. He likes traveling.
B. China has a long history.
C. He’s doing research into soybeans.
D. He works for the Agricultural Research Service.
3.What’s inferred from the passage?
A. Climate changes lead to global warming.
B. Water shortages contribute to global warming.
C. Genetically different soybeans need much water to grow.
D. Genetically different soybeans help to fight against damaging climate changes.
4.What do we know about slow-wilting plants talked about in the passage?
A. They yield big profits.
B. They can grow in almost any climate.
C. They seem to be drought-resistant.
D. They need much water for their growth.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题
Scientists are working to develop crop plants that can reduce the amount of water used for agriculture. Almost sixty percent of the world’s freshwater withdrawals from rivers, lakes and other water resources go toward irrigating fields.
Scientists are using biotechnology as well as traditional breeding methods to develop water-saving crops to feed a growing world.
Thomas “Tommy” Carter is a plant scientist in North Carolina. He works for the Agricultural Research Service in the United States Department of Agriculture. He leads Team Drought, a group of researchers at five universities. They have been using conventional breeding methods to develop and test soybeans that can grow well under dry conditions.
Tommy Carter started working on drought-resistant soybeans in 1981. His research has taken him as far as China, where soybeans have been grown for thousands of years.
Farmers in the United States, however, have grown soybeans for only about a century. Tommy Carter says the soybeans they grow are for the most part genetically similar. More differences could better protect crops against climate changes that can reduce production. Those changes include water shortages which could increase from global warming.
The Agriculture Department has a soybean germplasm(胚质) collection, a collection of genetic material passed from one generation to the next. Members of Team Drought studied more than 2,500 examples from the collection.
They looked at ones from the home of soybeans, Asia. They searched for germplasms that could keep plants from weakening and wilting (凋谢)during hot, dry summers in the United States.
Tommy Carter says they found only five. But these slow-wilting lines, he says, produce four to eight bushels(英斗)more than normal soybeans under drought conditions. The yield depends on location and environment.
Scientists are also working on other plants that either use less water or use it better, or both. For example, companies like Monsanto, DuPont and Syngenta have been developing corn with reduced water needs. Monsanto expects to be ready in a few years to market its first corn seeds genetically engineered to resist drought.
1.According to the passage, scientists try to find out how to _______.
A. grow crops with less water
B. increase crop production
C. feed a growing world
D. save the world’s water resource
2.Why did Tommy Carter come to China?
A. He likes traveling.
B. China has a long history.
C. He’s doing research into soybeans.
D. He works for the Agricultural Research Service.
3.What’s inferred from the passage?
A. Climate changes lead to global warming.
B. Water shortages contribute to global warming.
C. Genetically different soybeans need much water to grow.
D. Genetically different soybeans help to fight against damaging climate changes.
4.What do we know about slow-wilting plants talked about in the passage?
A. They yield big profits.
B. They can grow in almost any climate.
C. They seem to be drought-resistant.
D. They need much water for their growth.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
--- The news that the scientists in China are trying the ways to reduce the fog and haze was? ---- Top notch! Never have I seen _____ before。
A. a better one B. a worse one
C. the best one D. the worst one
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
The news that the scientists in China are trying the ways to reduce the fog and haze was ______ on the radio yesterday.
A. turned out B. found out
C. given out D. carried out
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Companion planting is the idea that when some crops are planted together, they help each other grow. The compatible plants generally have similar needs for nutrients, soil and moisture.
Advice for companion plantings is sometimes based more on tradition than proof. But Fabian Fernandez at the University of Illinois says there is evidence for some combinations. These can lead to better crops, reduce disease and help with pest control by attracting helpful insects. For example, some kinds of soil bacteria take nitrogen(氮) from the air and make a form that plants can use. The plants keep the nitrogen in their roots. Legumes(豆类) are especially good at this. Any crops sharing the same space can get the nitrogen as the roots decompose(腐烂).
Crops like beans and potatoes, carrots and cabbages, beans and rice can also share territory well because their roots reach different levels in the soil. Deep-rooted vegetables get nutrients and moisture from lower down, so they do not compete with shallower plants. But some plants placed together may harm each other's development. For example, tomatoes do not like wet soil but watercress does, as the name suggests. So you would probably not want to put them together.
Even after harvest, some kinds of produce should be kept apart. Apples, for example, release ethylene gas,a plant hormone. It can cause other foods to ripen(成熟)too quickly. Markets often separate high ethylene-producing foods from those that are sensitive to the gas. But sometimes you might want them together. For example, if you put an apple in a bag with a green banana, the banana will be ready to eat sooner.
Now what about peaches, plums and nectarines that are too firm to eat? Growers in California answer this question at eatcaliforniafruit.com. They say an apple,a banana or a riper piece of fruit is not needed. The peaches, plums and nectarines themselves release enough of the gas to ripen successfully.
Here's their advice: place the fruit in afruit bowl or in a paper bag with the top folded over. Keep the fruit at room temperature. When the fruit is soft enough to your liking, either use it or place it in a refrigerator to stop further ripening.
1.What are the basic needs for companion planting?
A. Good old companions. B. Some kinds of soil bacteria.
C. Nutrients, soil and moisture. D. Helpful insects.
2.What does the underlined sentence in Paragraph 2 most probably mean?
A. To some extent, companion planting relies more on traditional experience.
B. In the field of companion planting, proof always speaks louder than tradition.
C. Traditional experience is much less reliable than scientific experiments.
D. Scientific researches have thrown light on the theory of companion planting.
3.According to the text, which group of plants are not suitable to be planted together?
A. Beans and potatoes. B. Tomatoes and watercress.
C. Carrots and cabbages. D. Beans and rice.
4.What can be inferred from the last two paragraphs?
A. We should choose fruit from markets as often as possible.
B. The peaches, plums and nectarines should always be put together to get riper.
C. The fruit in afruit bowl or in a paper bag should be eaten as soon as possible.
D. We should not place any ripening fruit out in direct sunlight.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Scientists are trying to develop a special material, _______ they will make use of in space.
A. that B. what C. it D. one
高三英语简单题查看答案及解析
Pet owners are being encouraged to take their animals to work , a move scientists say can be
god for productivity , workplace morale (士气), and the well-being of animals .
A study found that 25% of Australian women would like to keep an office pet . Sue Chaseling of Petcare information Service said the practice of keeping office pets was good both for the people and the pets . “On the pets’ side , they are not left on their own and won’t feel lonely and unhappy,” she said . A study of major US companies showed that 73% found office pets beneficial (有益的) , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism (缺勤).
Xarni Riggs has two cats walking around her Global Hair Salon in Paddington . “My customers love them . they are their favorites ,” she said . “They are not troublesome . They know when to go and have a sleep in the sun .”
Little black BJ has spent nearly all his two years “working” at Punch Gallery in Balmain . Owner Iain Powell said he had had cats at the gallery for 15 years . “BJ often lies in the shop window and people walking past tap on the glass ,” he said .
Ms Chaseling said cats were popular in service industries because they enabled a point of conversation . But she said owners had to make sure both their co-workers and the cats were comfortable .
1.The percentage of American companies that are in favor of keeping office pets is ________ .
A.73% B.27% C.25% D.15%
2.We know from the text that “BJ”________
A.works in the Global Hair Salon B.often greets the passers-by
C.likes to sleep in the sun D.is a two-year-old cat
3.The best title for this text would be ________ .
A.Pets Help Attract Customers B.Your Favorite Office Pets
C.Pets Join the Workforce D.Busy Life for Pets
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Pet owners are being encouraged to take their animals to work , a move scientists say can be
god for productivity , workplace morale (士气), and the well-being of animals .
A study found that 25% of Australian women would like to keep an office pet . Sue Chaseling of Petcare information Service said the practice of keeping office pets was good both for the people and the pets . "On the pets' side , they are not left on their own and won't feel lonely and unhappy," she said . A study of major US companies showed that 73% found office pets beneficial (有益的) , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism (缺勤).
Xarni Riggs has two cats walking around her Global Hair Salon in Paddington . "My customers love them . they are their favorites ," she said . "They are not troublesome . They know when to go and have a sleep in the sun ."
Little black BJ has spent nearly all his two years "working" at Punch Gallery in Balmain . Owner Iain Powell said he had had cats at the gallery for 15 years . "BJ often lies in the shop window and people walking past tap on the glass ," he said .
Ms Chaseling said cats were popular in service industries because they enabled a point of conversation . But she said owners had to make sure both their co-workers and the cats were comfortable .
1.The percentage of American companies that are in favor of keeping office pets is________ .
A.73% B.27% C.25% D.15%
2.We know from the text that "BJ"________
A.works in the Global Hair Salon B.often greets the passers-by
C.likes to sleep in the sun D.is a two-year-old cat
3.The best title for this text would be .
A.Pets Help Attract Customers B.Your Favorite Office Pets
C.Pets Join the Workforce D.Busy Life for Pets
高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析
Pet owners are being encouraged to take their animals to work , a move scientists say can be good for productivity , workplace morale (士气), and the well-being of animals .
A study found that 25% of Australian women would like to keep an office pet . Sue Chaseling of Petcare Information Service said the practice of keeping office pets was good both for the people and the pets . “On the pets’ side , they are not left on their own and won’t feel lonely and unhappy,” she said . A study of major US companies showed that 73% found office pets beneficial (有益的) , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism (缺勤).
Xarni Riggs has two cats walking around her Global Hair Salon in Paddington . “My customers love them. They are their favorites ,” she said . “They are not troublesome . They know when to go and have a sleep in the sun .”
Little black BJ has spent nearly all his two years “working” at Punch Gallery in Balmain . Owner Iain Powell said he had had cats at the gallery for 15 years . “BJ often lies in the shop window and people walking past tap on the glass ,” he said .
Ms Chaseling said cats were popular in service industries because they enabled a point of conversation . But she said owners had to make sure both their co-workers and the cats were comfortable .
1.The percentage of American companies that are in favor of keeping office pets is
A.73% | B.27% | C.25% | D.15% |
2.We know from the text that “BJ”
A.works in the Global Hair Salon | B.often greets the passers-by |
C.likes to sleep in the sun | D.is a two-year-old cat |
3.The best title for this text would be .
A.Pets Help Attract Customers | B.Your Favorite Office Pets |
C.Pets Join the Workforce | D.Busy Life for Pets |
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Pet owners are being encouraged to take their animals to work, a move scientists say can be good for productivity , workplace morale (士气), and the well-being of animals .
A study found that 25% of Australian women would like to keep an office pet. Sue Chaseling of Petcare information Service said the practice of keeping office pets was good both for the people and the pets. “On the pets’ side, they are not left on their own and won’t feel lonely and unhappy,” she said. A study of major US companies showed that 73% found office pets beneficial (有益的) , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism (缺勤).
Xarni Riggs has two cats walking around her Global Hair Salon in Paddington. “My customers love them. They are their favorites,” she said. “They are not troublesome. They know when to go and have a sleep in the sun.”
Little black BJ has spent nearly all his two years “working” at Punch Gallery in Balmain. Owner Iain Powell said he had had cats at the gallery for 15 years. “BJ often lies in the shop window and people walking past tap on the glass,” he said.
Ms Chaseling said cats were popular in service industries because they enabled a point of conversation. But she said owners had to make sure both their co-workers and the cats were comfortable.
1.The percentage of American companies that are in favor of keeping office pets is ________ .
A. 73% B. 27% C. 25% D. 15%
2.We know from the text that “BJ”________
A. works in the Global Hair Salon B. often greets the passers-by
C. likes to sleep in the sun D. is a two-year-old cat
3.The best title for this text would be ________ .
A. Pets Help Attract Customers B. Your Favorite Office Pets
C. Pets Join the Workforce D. Busy Life for Pets
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Scientists have developed a new type of smart bandage (绷带) that can signal the type of bacterial (细菌的) infection it’s protecting, just like a traffic light, as well as release the right type of drugs on demand. The traffic light system works just like this: Green means no bacteria or a low concentration of bacteria, yellow means drug-sensitive (DS) bacteria responsive to standard antibiotics (抗生素) and causes antibiotic release, and red means drug-resistant (DR) bacteria that need extra help to be wiped out.
In testing the bandage on mice, the research team was able to successfully treat both DS and DR infections using the new method. However, the common methods of sensing resistance are limited by time, the requirement for professional personnel, and expensive instruments. Moreover, the abuse of antibiotics causes the accelerated process of bacterial resistance.
It’s easy to see how a simple bandage and light could overcome some of these limitations. Treatment doesn’t have to wait for a doctor to make a diagnosis, and the bandage can get the right sort of drugs applied at the earliest opportunity. What’s more, the person wearing the bandage gets real-time feedback on what’s happening with the infection, if there’s an infection at all. The researchers say it offers numerous benefits over existing treatments that make use of light, including photodynamic therapy or PDT.
We’ve been seeing quite a few upgrades to the traditional bandage in recent years, thanks to advances in science — like the nanofiber mesh that attracts bacteria and draws some of it out, speeding up the healing process. Then there’s the novel bandage for treating burns, which stops bacteria from multiplying and lowers the risk of infection.
The more work that a bandage can do while it’s protecting a wound, the better. Efforts to improve bandages continue and now we've got a bandage that not only releases antibiotics, but also tells the patient exactly what’s going on too.
1.What is the smart bandage mainly designed to do?
A.Avoid the use of antibiotics. B.Clear out harmful bacteria.
C.Detect bacterial infections. D.Increase treatment options.
2.What is the advantage of the smart bandage?
A.It saves much time and cost. B.It removes the risk of infection.
C.It prevents the bacterial resistance. D.It improves doctor-patient relationship.
3.What can be inferred from the last two paragraphs?
A.Traditional bandages are out of use now.
B.More smart bandages will be developed.
C.Progress in science calls for more research.
D.People are urged to study medical science.
4.What does the text focus on?
A.A successful test on mice. B.A colour-changing bandage.
C.Sensing drug-resistant bacteria. D.Preventing abuse of antibiotics.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析