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压轴题04 阅读理解C、D篇
命题预测 分析近年高考英语阅读理解 C、D 篇命题规律，动植物类说明文是经典题材，语篇多选自自然期刊、科研报道、环保报告、高校研究，聚焦珍稀动植物特性、生存现状、适应机制、科研价值、生态保护、进化奥秘等。文章科学性强、专业术语适中、长难句集中，侧重考查细节定位、逻辑推理、词义猜测、主旨概括。2026 年高考仍会重点考查，命题更关注气候变化影响、物种保护、生物智能、生态共生、科研新发现，强调人与自然和谐共生。
高频考法 推理判断题 标题归纳题 细节理解题 词义猜测题 主旨大意题 观点态度 / 写作意图题
动物、植物类说明文基本规律及解题要领
高考动植物类阅读多无标题，结构清晰、说明性强，一般分为四部分：
首段：开门见山引出新物种、新发现、特殊动植物、科研对象。
背景 / 现状：介绍物种生存环境、濒危现状、研究背景、气候 / 人类影响。
主干：详细说明外形特征、适应机制、生存技能、科研价值、保护措施。
结尾：总结研究意义、生态价值、保护呼吁、未来展望。
二、动物、植物类说明文解题技巧
1. 抓语篇结构，快速把握大意
用略读法速读首尾段 + 各段首尾句，圈出核心名词（species /plant/animal /habitat/survival 等）。
动植物类常见行文逻辑：
物种介绍型：外形→习性→适应环境→生存挑战→保护
科研发现型：发现过程→实验方法→研究结果→科学意义
生态保护型：现状危机→原因分析→保护措施→未来展望
2. 定位标志词，精准破解细节与推理
优先定位：动植物名称、地名、研究者、数据、时间、对比词。
长难句处理：拆分主句与从句，抓主语 + 谓语 + 宾语，忽略修饰成分。
答案原则：原文同义替换、客观概括，不加入生活常识臆断。
3. 重点关注适应机制与生存特点
动植物类高频考点：
适应环境的特殊结构 / 行为（耐寒、耐旱、伪装、迁徙、共生）
生存技能与智能表现（辨识、导航、工具使用、信息传递）
濒危原因与保护方向（人类活动、气候变化、栖息地破坏）
4. 紧盯转折与对比，锁定核心信息
高频逻辑词：however / but / while / in contrast / compared with / instead转折后常是物种独特性、研究新结论、真正生存危机，为必考点。
5. 熟悉选项设置规律，快速排除干扰
正确选项：原文信息同义改写、全面概括、符合科学事实。
干扰项：
张冠李戴（把 A 物种特点安到 B 物种）
偷梁换柱（改变范围、程度、条件）
无中生有（原文未提及的能力 / 习性）
以偏概全（用局部特点代替整体主旨）
6. 标题归纳技巧（动植物类专用）
必须包含核心动植物 / 研究对象。
突出特点、发现、保护、生存。
常见格式：物种 + 特点 / 价值 / 保护 / 新发现。
04 动物、植物类
1.（2026·广西·一模）
Scientists have discovered six species of cushion (垫) plants growing at a record-breaking height on Mount Shukule Ⅱ in the Ladakh region of India. These plants were found on a small, rocky area no larger than a football field, and they are more resistant to cold and dry conditions than most plants.
The research team, led by Jiri Dolezal from the Czech Academy of Sciences, studied how plants respond to climate warming in this remote area. Reaching the site required a five-day journey from the nearest road, and the scientists suffered from sickness and extreme tiredness.
In contrast, the plants themselves were well adapted to the cold and dry environment. Each plant was very small, about the size of a coin, and contained a high amount of sugar that acted like natural antifreeze. Their leaves grew in a circular shape, helping them trap warm air and survive long, freezing winters. Although their roots were tiny, one root showed about 20 growth rings, suggesting that the plant had survived there for nearly two decades.
Climate change has warmed the Himalayas, allowing plants to grow higher as glaciers (冰川) retreat. Dolezal estimates that during the short growing season, temperatures in this area have risen by about 6℃ over the past decade. Plants need at least 40 frost-free days each year to grow, and such conditions are now appearing in the Himalayas.
“I’m surprised at the elevation — it’s very high,” says Jan Salick, a botanist at Missouri Botanical Garden in St Louis. But she is encouraged that plants may be able to move to higher altitudes than previously thought, and keep up with climate change.
As part of the research, she has found alpine (高山的) plants in the Himalayas moving upwards at 0.06 metres a year, while the temperature band they usually occupy is outpacing them by rising at 6 metres a year. The fear is that the temperature increase is encouraging the tree line to rise too, which could reduce the space available for alpine plants.
1. What is a feature of the cushion plants
A. They depend on the fairly fertile soil. B. They spread widely across the mountain.
C. They can tolerate cold and dryness. D. They grow faster than other alpine plants.
2. What does the author intend to illustrate about the cushion plants in paragraph 3
A. How scientists discovered their habitat. B. How they survive in the tough conditions.
C. How climate change impacts their distribution. D. How they pose a threat to local species.
3. Why are plants likely to grow even higher in the Himalayas
A. Seeds are spreading more easily.
B. Mountain soils are becoming richer.
C. Their frost-free growing periods are extending.
D. Glaciers at the height are appearing in large numbers.
4. What is the best title for the text
A. Climate Change Helps Plants Grow Higher
B. Record-breaking Plants Were Found in the Himalayas
C. Cushion Plants Are the Most Resistant Plants in the World
D. Alpine Plants Face a Serious Survival Problem in the Himalayas
【答案】1. C 2. B 3. C 4. B
【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文，主要讲述了科学家在喜马拉雅地区发现了6种生长在破纪录高海拔的垫状植物，介绍了这些植物的特性，分析气候变化对植物高海拔迁徙的影响以及科学家对此现象的看法。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段中的“These plants were found on a small, rocky area no larger than a football field, and they are more resistant to cold and dry conditions than most plants.(这些植物被发现长在一个不比足球场大的小岩石区域，它们比大多数植物更能抵抗寒冷和干燥的条件。)”可知，垫状植物比多数植物更耐受寒冷干旱环境。故选C。
【2题详解】
推理判断题。根据第三段“In contrast, the plants themselves were well adapted to the cold and dry environment. Each plant was very small, about the size of a coin, and contained a high amount of sugar that acted like natural antifreeze. Their leaves grew in a circular shape, helping them trap warm air and survive long, freezing winters. Although their roots were tiny, one root showed about 20 growth rings, suggesting that the plant had survived there for nearly two decades.(相比之下，这些植物本身很好地适应了寒冷干燥的环境。每株植物都很小，大约有一枚硬币那么大，含有大量的糖，这些糖就像天然防冻剂一样。它们的叶子呈圆形生长，有助于它们捕获温暖的空气，在漫长而寒冷的冬天生存下来。尽管它们的根很小，但其中一根显示出大约20个生长轮，这表明这种植物在那里存活了近二十年。)”可知，本段开头说这些植物能够很好地适应寒冷干燥的环境，随后从植株大小、天然防冻的高糖分、聚热的叶片形态、长期存活的根系特点等多个方面，介绍了垫状植物如何适应恶劣的高海拔环境，即说明它们如何在艰苦条件存活。故选B。
【3题详解】
细节理解题。根据第四段中的“Climate change has warmed the Himalayas, allowing plants to grow higher as glaciers (冰川) retreat.(气候变化使喜马拉雅山脉变暖，随着冰川的退缩，植物得以生长得更高。)”和“Plants need at least 40 frost-free days each year to grow, and such conditions are now appearing in the Himalayas.(植物每年至少需要40天的无霜期才能生长，喜马拉雅山脉现在也出现了这种情况。)”可知，植物每年至少需要40天的无霜期才能生长，而气候变暖让喜马拉雅山脉气温升高，高海拔地区的无霜生长期变长，满足了植物生长的需求，因此植物才能在更高的地方生长。故选C。
【4题详解】
主旨大意题。通读全文，尤其是第一段中的“Scientists have discovered six species of cushion (垫) plants growing at a record-breaking height on Mount Shukule Ⅱ in the Ladakh region of India.(科学家在印度拉达克地区的Shukule Ⅱ山上发现了六种生长在破纪录高度的垫状植物。)”可知，本文主要围绕科学家在破纪录高海拔地区发现的垫状植物展开，介绍了这些植物的特性，分析气候变化对植物高海拔迁徙的影响以及科学家对此现象的看法。因此B项“喜马拉雅山脉发现了破纪录植物”最适合作本文标题。故选B。
2.（2026·承德·一模）
It is widely acknowledged that crows (乌鸦) are highly intelligent with cognitive abilities similar to those of 5- to 7-year-old children. Past research has shown that they can count to four and distinguish human voices and faces, and some species can even create tools for future use. Lately, a special study has expanded this list further, revealing that crows can recognize basic geometric features, such as side lengths, parallel lines, and right angles, and shapes like stars, crescents, squares, and irregular four-sided figures.
With the purpose of testing the crows’ geometric skills, scientists showed two crows six shapes on a digital screen and trained them to peck (啄) at the outlier — the shape that looked different from the rest. When the birds chose correctly, they were rewarded with a tasty snack. At first, the researchers made the outlier obvious, such as one flower among five crescents. As the birds got used to the task, the shapes became more similar including squares and irregular four-sided figures. Despite the increasing difficulty, the crows continued to identify the outlier correctly.
The shape recognition ability of crows remains a topic of interest for researchers. They suspect this ability may help them with navigation as they fly around. The birds may have also developed this ability to help them search for food or identify other individual crows — including potential mates — based on their facial features. “All these abilities, at the end of the day, from a biological point of view, have evolved because they provide a survival advantage or a reproductive advantage,” says the study senior author Andreas Nieder, a neurophysiologist at the University of Tübingen in Germany.
In the future, researchers hope to explore which areas of the birds’ brains are responsible for their exceptional ability in geometry. Birds don’t have a cerebral cortex (大脑皮层) — at least, not in the same way that humans do. But for us, that part of the brain is responsible for thinking and other complex functions. Crows still have these abilities, so the researchers assume there must be something else going on inside their heads. “Obviously, evolution found two different ways of giving rise to behaviorally flexible animals,” Nieder says.
5. What does the recent study reveal about crows
A. They can draw simple figures with tools. B. They can tell basic geometric shapes apart.
C. They can do pretty easy math calculations. D. They can recognize human voices and faces.
6. How did the researchers increase the difficulty of the shape- recognition task
A. By shortening the time to respond. B. By presenting more familiar shapes.
C. By showing figures with different colors. D. By enhancing the similarity among shapes.
7. What is paragraph 3 mainly about
A. The role of crows’ geometric potential in navigation.
B. Reasons for crows to evolve shape identification abilities.
C. The various survival benefits of crows’ cognitive talents.
D. Advantages of crows’ food-searching skills over other birds.
8. What is the follow-up step for future study
A. Examining crows’ brain areas related to geometric skills.
B. Comparing the cerebral cortex of humans and crows.
C. Exploring other complex functions of crows’ brains.
D. Studying the causes of crows’ flexible behaviors.
【答案】5. B 6. D 7. B 8. A
【解析】
【导语】这是一篇说明文。研究发现乌鸦能识别基本几何形状，科学家通过实验验证其能力，分析该能力的进化原因，并计划进一步探究其大脑相关区域。
【5题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段“Lately, a special study has expanded this list further, revealing that crows can recognize basic geometric features, such as side lengths, parallel lines, and right angles, and shapes like stars, crescents, squares, and irregular four-sided figures.(最近，一项特别的研究进一步扩充了这一列表，表明乌鸦能够识别一些基本的几何特征，比如边长、平行线和直角，以及诸如星形、月牙形、正方形和不规则的四边形等形状)”可知，最近的研究发现乌鸦能够区分基本的几何形状。故选B。
【6题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段“As the birds got used to the task, the shapes became more similar including squares and irregular four-sided figures.(随着鸟儿们逐渐适应了这项任务，这些形状变得更加相似，包括正方形和不规则的四边形)”可知，研究人员通过提高形状之间的相似度增加形状识别任务的难度。故选D。
【7题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第三段“The shape recognition ability of crows remains a topic of interest for researchers. They suspect this ability may help them with navigation as they fly around. The birds may have also developed this ability to help them search for food or identify other individual crows — including potential mates — based on their facial features. “All these abilities, at the end of the day, from a biological point of view, have evolved because they provide a survival advantage or a reproductive advantage,” says the study senior author Andreas Nieder, a neurophysiologist at the University of Tübingen in Germany.(乌鸦的形状识别能力一直是研究人员关注的焦点。他们推测这种能力或许能帮助它们在飞行时进行导航。这些鸟类可能还发展出这种能力，以便根据其他乌鸦的面部特征来寻找食物或识别其他乌鸦——包括潜在的配偶。该研究的资深作者、德国图宾根大学的神经生理学家安德烈亚斯·尼德表示：“从生物学的角度来看，所有这些能力之所以进化出来，是因为它们能带来生存优势或繁殖优势。”)”可知，第三段主要讲的是乌鸦进化出形状识别能力的原因。故选B。
【8题详解】
细节理解题。根据第四段“In the future, researchers hope to explore which areas of the birds’ brains are responsible for their exceptional ability in geometry.(未来，研究人员希望探究鸟类大脑的哪些区域与它们在几何方面的非凡能力有关)”可知，未来研究的后续步骤是检测乌鸦与几何技能相关的大脑区域。故选A。
3.（2026·山东滨州·一模）
Over the last 1,400 years, populations of the Yangtze finless porpoise have dramatically declined in China. But intensive surveys of its range only span the last couple of decades, leaving lots of gaps in scientists’ knowledge of the species. In a creative blend of art and science, a new study uses historical poetry to chart the critically endangered animal’s population across the river it calls home.
The finless porpoises once lived throughout the entire Yangtze River, which stretches from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea. Now, the only known freshwater porpoise in the world has fewer than 1,800 individuals left in the wild.
The research team combed through databases of Chinese poetry to find references to the porpoise and map its past distribution. They found 724 poems that mentioned the animal, of which half noted where the porpoises were observed. Their findings were published in Current Biology.
“Having access to past data allows us to detect when declines began and correlate those changes with potential threats like habitat destruction, climate change, overhunting, disease or the introduction of invasive species,” says lead author Zhang Yaoyao, an ecologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The poems suggest the porpoise’s range has decreased by 65% since the Tang dynasty. Most of that decline happened in the river’s tributaries and lakes, where the animal’s range has decreased by 91%. While the population decrease was mostly gradual, the sharpest decline has occurred over the past 100 years. That sudden drop aligns with human activities on the river, especially dam construction in the 1950s that blocked off the porpoise's movement to and from the river's main channel.
The work highlights the connection between culture and science. “Poems are actually ancient citizen science, and many Chinese poets were ‘well-educated intellectuals’,” says Zhang. “These data are not perfect...But they do have a lot of information if you use them correctly.” This approach has potential for uncovering the pasts of other endangered species as well. Previously, scholars have used medieval and ancient texts to understand things like volcanic eruptions, auroras and unusual whales.
9. What challenge do scientists face in their research about the porpoise
A. Its population has dropped off dramatically.
B. Locating its habitats is increasingly difficult.
C. The long-term historical data are insufficient.
D. Its population is hard to calculate precisely.
10 What mainly contributed to the dramatic fall of the porpoise’s populations
A. Poor resistance to diseases. B. Climate changes over time.
C. Human impacts on its habitats. D. Competition with other species.
11. Why does the author mention “volcanic eruptions” in the last paragraph
A. To show major threats to endangered wildlife.
B. To introduce challenges in ecological research.
C. To reveal the wisdom of ancient Chinese poets.
D. To prove the value of ancient texts in research.
12. What can be a suitable title for the text
A. Historical Poems: Records of Ancient Chinese Wildlife
B. citizen Science: A New Approach to Protecting Animals
C. The Yangtze Finless Porpoise: A Critically Endangered Species
D. Ancient Poetry: A Creative Way to Study Endangered Porpoise
【答案】9. C 10. C 11. D 12. D
【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了科学家通过研究中国历史诗歌来追踪长江江豚的种群变化，揭示了其数量大幅下降的原因，并强调了这种跨学科研究方法的创新性和潜在应用价值。
【9题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段“But intensive surveys of its range only span the last couple of decades, leaving lots of gaps in scientists' knowledge of the species. (但对其活动范围的密集调查仅覆盖了过去几十年，科学家对该物种的了解存在许多空白)”可知，科学家在研究长江江豚时面临的主要挑战是长期历史数据的不足。故选C项。
【10题详解】
细节理解题。根据第五段“That sudden drop aligns with human activities on the river, especially dam construction in the 1950s that blocked off the porpoise's movement to and from the river's main channel. (这一突然下降与河流上的人类活动相吻合，特别是20世纪50年代的水坝建设，阻碍了江豚进出主河道的活动)”可知，人类活动对江豚栖息地的影响是导致其数量急剧下降的主要原因。故选C项。
【11题详解】
推理判断题。根据最后一段“This approach has potential for uncovering the pasts of other endangered species as well. Previously, scholars have used medieval and ancient texts to understand things like volcanic eruptions, auroras and unusual whales. (这种方法也有可能揭示其他濒危物种的过去。此前，学者们曾利用中世纪和古代文献来了解火山爆发、极光和异常鲸鱼等现象)”可推知，作者提到“火山爆发”是为了证明古代文献在研究中的价值，说明这种方法不仅适用于江豚，还可以用于其他领域的研究。故选D项。
【12题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第一段“In a creative blend of art and science, a new study uses historical poetry to chart the critically endangered animal's population across the river it calls home. (在一项艺术与科学的创造性结合中，一项新的研究利用历史诗歌来描绘这种极度濒危动物在其家园河流中的种群分布)”以及全文内容可知，文章主要介绍了科学家通过研究中国历史诗歌来追踪长江江豚的种群变化，揭示了其数量大幅下降的原因，并强调了这种跨学科研究方法的创新性和潜在应用价值。由此可知，D项“Ancient Poetry: A Creative Way to Study Endangered Porpoise (古诗：研究濒危江豚的一种创造性方法)”最符合文章主旨，适合作标题。故选D项。
4.（2026·河北邯郸·一模）
Scientists have discovered six species of cushion (垫) plants growing at a record-breaking height on Mount Shukule Ⅱ in the Ladakh region of India. These plants were found on a small, rocky area no larger than a football field, and they are more resistant to cold and dry conditions than most plants.
The research team, led by Jiri Dolezal from the Czech Academy of Sciences, studied how plants respond to climate warming in this remote area. Reaching the site required a five-day journey from the nearest road, and the scientists suffered from sickness and extreme tiredness.
In contrast, the plants themselves were well adapted to the cold and dry environment. Each plant was very small, about the size of a coin, and contained a high amount of sugar that acted like natural antifreeze. Their leaves grew in a circular shape, helping them trap warm air and survive long, freezing winters. Although their roots were tiny, one root showed about 20 growth rings, suggesting that the plant had survived there for nearly two decades.
Climate change has warmed the Himalayas, allowing plants to grow higher as glaciers (冰川) retreat. Dolezal estimates that during the short growing season, temperatures in this area have risen by about 6℃ over the past decade. Plants need at least 40 frost-free days each year to grow, and such conditions are now appearing in the Himalayas.
“I’m surprised at the elevation — it’s very high,” says Jan Salick, a botanist at Missouri Botanical Garden in St Louis. But she is encouraged that plants may be able to move to higher altitudes than previously thought, and keep up with climate change.
As part of the research, she has found alpine (高山的) plants in the Himalayas moving upwards at 0.06 metres a year, while the temperature band they usually occupy is outpacing them by rising at 6 metres a year. The fear is that the temperature increase is encouraging the tree line to rise too, which could reduce the space available for alpine plants.
13. What is a feature of the cushion plants
A. They depend on the fairly fertile soil. B. They spread widely across the mountain.
C. They can tolerate cold and dryness. D. They grow faster than other alpine plants.
14. What does the author intend to illustrate about the cushion plants in paragraph 3
A. How scientists discovered their habitat. B. How they survive in the tough conditions.
C. How climate change impacts their distribution. D. How they pose a threat to local species.
15. Why are plants likely to grow even higher in the Himalayas
A. Seeds are spreading more easily.
B. Mountain soils are becoming richer.
C. Their frost-free growing periods are extending.
D. Glaciers at the height are appearing in large numbers.
16. What is the best title for the text
A. Climate Change Helps Plants Grow Higher
B. Record-breaking Plants Were Found in the Himalayas
C. Cushion Plants Are the Most Resistant Plants in the World
D Alpine Plants Face a Serious Survival Problem in the Himalayas
【答案】13. C 14. B 15. C 16. B
【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文，主要讲述了科学家在喜马拉雅地区发现了6种生长在破纪录高海拔的垫状植物，介绍了这些植物的特性，分析气候变化对植物高海拔迁徙的影响以及科学家对此现象的看法。
【13题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段中的“These plants were found on a small, rocky area no larger than a football field, and they are more resistant to cold and dry conditions than most plants.(这些植物被发现长在一个不比足球场大的小岩石区域，它们比大多数植物更能抵抗寒冷和干燥的条件。)”可知，垫状植物比多数植物更耐受寒冷干旱环境。故选C。
【14题详解】
推理判断题。根据第三段“In contrast, the plants themselves were well adapted to the cold and dry environment. Each plant was very small, about the size of a coin, and contained a high amount of sugar that acted like natural antifreeze. Their leaves grew in a circular shape, helping them trap warm air and survive long, freezing winters. Although their roots were tiny, one root showed about 20 growth rings, suggesting that the plant had survived there for nearly two decades.(相比之下，这些植物本身很好地适应了寒冷干燥的环境。每株植物都很小，大约有一枚硬币那么大，含有大量的糖，这些糖就像天然防冻剂一样。它们的叶子呈圆形生长，有助于它们捕获温暖的空气，在漫长而寒冷的冬天生存下来。尽管它们的根很小，但其中一根显示出大约20个生长轮，这表明这种植物在那里存活了近二十年。)”可知，本段开头说这些植物能够很好地适应寒冷干燥的环境，随后从植株大小、天然防冻的高糖分、聚热的叶片形态、长期存活的根系特点等多个方面，介绍了垫状植物如何适应恶劣的高海拔环境，即说明它们如何在艰苦条件存活。故选B。
【15题详解】
细节理解题。根据第四段中的“Climate change has warmed the Himalayas, allowing plants to grow higher as glaciers (冰川) retreat.(气候变化使喜马拉雅山脉变暖，随着冰川的退缩，植物得以生长得更高。)”和“Plants need at least 40 frost-free days each year to grow, and such conditions are now appearing in the Himalayas.(植物每年至少需要40天的无霜期才能生长，喜马拉雅山脉现在也出现了这种情况。)”可知，植物每年至少需要40天的无霜期才能生长，而气候变暖让喜马拉雅山脉气温升高，高海拔地区的无霜生长期变长，满足了植物生长的需求，因此植物才能在更高的地方生长。故选C。
【16题详解】
主旨大意题。通读全文，尤其是第一段中的“Scientists have discovered six species of cushion (垫) plants growing at a record-breaking height on Mount Shukule Ⅱ in the Ladakh region of India.(科学家在印度拉达克地区的Shukule Ⅱ山上发现了六种生长在破纪录高度的垫状植物。)”可知，本文主要围绕科学家在破纪录高海拔地区发现的垫状植物展开，介绍了这些植物的特性，分析气候变化对植物高海拔迁徙的影响以及科学家对此现象的看法。因此B项“喜马拉雅山脉发现了破纪录植物”最适合作本文标题。故选B。
5.（2026·安徽铜陵·一模）
Arabidopsis thaliana (拟南芥), a small thin weed of the mustard family, never seemed likely to gain scientific fame. Yet this common plant has greatly changed from an ignored weed to a biological superstar due to scientists’ foresight, continuous exploration and joint efforts.
Arabidopsis’ journey began with young geneticist George Rédei. At first, Rédei’s research on this weed was widely doubted because many thought only valuable crops or decorative plants were worth studying. But he carried its seeds all the time and later continued research in the US. Inspired by German botanist Friedrich Laibach, he saw its value as a model organism, similar to fruit flies in pared with corn and wheat, Arabidopsis has clear advantages: small size, short growth cycle, many seeds, but what sets it apart from other experimental plants is its only five pairs of chromosomes (染色体), making gene location much easier.
In the 1980s, young scientists like Chris Somerville and Elliot Meyerowitz also noticed its potential. They proved its value through experiments, finding its small genome with little repeated DNA made gene discovery easier. In 2000, a global team finished its research and published the result in Nature, which provided a solid base for future studies.
Today, researches on Arabidopsis have provided important support for crop output expansion, ecological system management and climate change reduction. For instance, the genes identified in Arabidopsis have helped scientists understand the fruit development mechanism of tomatoes and improve the stress resistance of rice.
Beyond plant science, Arabidopsis has also brought new insights to human health research. Notably, about 70% of human cancer-related genes and genes related to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s all exist in this plant.
Arabidopsis is not without limitations. Its simple structure, while useful for genetic research, cannot fully represent the complexity of crops like wheat or corn. However, even with these concerns, this once-ignored weed has already proved that great scientific value can lie in the most unexpected places, and it continues to inspire researchers to explore the mysteries of life.
17. What is special about Arabidopsis as a model organism
A. Its abundant seeds. B. Its brief life period.
C. Its few chromosomes. D. Its unique outer shape.
18. What can be inferred about the Arabidopsis research
A. It cast new light on medical studies. B. It prioritized traditional model organisms.
C. It gained support from most geneticists. D. It targeted major management problems.
19. What is the function of the last paragraph
A. To prove the complexity of Arabidopsis. B. To stress the limitations of Arabidopsis.
C. To restate the importance of Arabidopsis. D. To underline the structure of Arabidopsis.
20. Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text
A. The Applications of Arabidopsis Studies
B. The Link between Arabidopsis and Humans
C. The Discovery of Small Genome in Arabidopsis
D. The Course of Arabidopsis from Weed to Treasure
【答案】17. C 18. A 19. C 20. D
【解析】
【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章介绍了拟南芥从无人关注的杂草成为科研模式植物，其研究推动农业发展，并为人类健康与医学研究提供重要启示。
【17题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段“Compared with corn and wheat, Arabidopsis has clear advantages: small size, short growth cycle, many seeds, but what sets it apart from other experimental plants is its only five pairs of chromosomes (染色体), making gene location much easier.(与玉米和小麦相比，拟南芥具有明显优势：植株小、生长周期短、种子数量多，而让它区别于其他实验植物的特点在于它仅有五对染色体，这使得基因定位更为简便。)”可知，拟南芥作为模式生物的特别之处是染色体数量少。故选C项。
【18题详解】
推理判断题。根据第五段“Beyond plant science, Arabidopsis has also brought new insights to human health research.(除植物科学外，拟南芥也为人类健康研究带来了新的见解。)”可知，该研究为医学研究提供了新的思路。故选A项。
【19题详解】
推理判断题。根据最后一段“However, even with these concerns, this once-ignored weed has already proved that great scientific value can lie in the most unexpected places, and it continues to inspire researchers to explore the mysteries of life.(然而，即便存在这些顾虑，这种曾被忽视的杂草已然证明：巨大的科学价值可能蕴藏在最意想不到的地方，并且它仍在激励着研究者们探索生命的奥秘。)”可知，最后一段是为了重申拟南芥的重要性。故选C项。
【20题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第一段“Yet this common plant has greatly changed from an ignored weed to a biological superstar due to scientists’ foresight, continuous exploration and joint efforts.(然而，得益于科学家们的远见卓识、不断探索与通力合作，这种常见植物已从一种无人问津的杂草，摇身一变成为了生物界的明星。)”及全文内容可知，文章介绍拟南芥从无人关注的杂草成为科研模式植物，其研究推动农业发展，并为人类健康与医学研究提供重要启示，所以“拟南芥：从杂草到瑰宝的蜕变之路”符合文意，适合作为文章标题。故选D项。
6.（2026·河北张家口·一模）
A team of researchers suggests that pigeons, common birds famous for their amazing ability to find directions, can sense Earth’s magnetic field (磁场) by detecting tiny electric currents in their inner ears. The team carried out advanced brain mapping and single-cell RNA analyzing of pigeon inner-ear cells. Both forms of evidence show that the inner ear is the birds “magnetoreception” organ.
In the study, professor David Keays and his colleagues designed an experiment to find out how pigeons’ brains respond to magnetic fields. They exposed pigeons to a magnetic field slightly stronger than Earth’s for over an hour. The team used a method to measure the activation patterns of neurons (神经元) across the brain by detecting a genetic marker of cell activity in pigeon brains. Brain activity maps of birds exposed to magnetic fields were compared with those of a control group not exposed to such fields.
The results revealed neuronal activity related to magnetic fields in the brain region that receives signals from the vestibular system — a key part of the inner ear responsible for balance and sense of space. This result narrowed down the possible compasses (指南针) to one — the vestibular system.
Further analysis focused on the inner ear. Using single-cell RNA analysis-researchers identified a unique type of hair cell — type Ⅱ. These cells contain special proteins that make them sensitive to the slightest changes in electrical potential. When a bird flies and moves its head, liquid in the inner ear shifts, crosses magnetic field lines, and generates a weak electric current. These sensitive cells detect this signal and send the information to the brain.
The discovery explains many observed behaviors. For example, homing pigeons often circle in place before choosing a flight direction. It is now clear that such movements are necessary to activate their biological compass — head movements strengthen the signal detected by the inner ear.
21. What can a “magnetoreception” organ most probably do
A. Detect inner ear cells.
B. Block electric currents.
C. Sense Earth’s magnetic field.
D. Strengthen the map-reading ability.
22. What did the magnetic field in the research do to the pigeons
A. It did damage to the pigeons’ inner ears.
B. It led to the generation of new brain cells.
C. It made the pigeons’ heads move relatively.
D. It caused certain activation patterns of neurons.
23. What can be learned about a pigeon’s inner ear
A. It is in a brain region.
B. It has newly identified hair cells.
C. It can move when a pigeon flies.
D. It contains a large variety of proteins.
24. What can be a suitable title for the text
A. Why the Vestibular System Matters Most
B. The Biological Compass Hidden in the Ear
C. New Research Revealed the Secret of Flying
D. How Magnetic Fields Affect Pigeons’ Brain Activity
【答案】21. C 22. D 23. B 24. B
【解析】
【导语】这是一篇说明文。研究发现鸽子依靠内耳的Ⅱ型毛细胞感知地球磁场，其前庭系统是生物指南针，这也解释了鸽子辨向的相关行为。
【21题详解】
推理判断题。根据第一段“A team of researchers suggests that pigeons, common birds famous for their amazing ability to find directions, can sense Earth’s magnetic field (磁场) by detecting tiny electric currents in their inner ears. The team carried out advanced brain mapping and single-cell RNA analyzing of pigeon inner-ear cells. Both forms of evidence show that the inner ear is the birds “magnetoreception” organ.(一组研究人员发现，鸽子——这种因出色的识路能力闻名的常见鸟类——能够通过感知内耳中的微弱电流来察觉地球磁场。该团队对鸽子的内耳细胞开展了先进的脑部成像和单细胞核糖核酸分析，两项研究证据均表明，内耳正是这种鸟类的“磁感知”器官。)”可知，“磁感受”器官最可能用来感知地球磁场。故选C项。
【22题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段“They exposed pigeons to a magnetic field slightly stronger than Earth’s for over an hour. The team used a method to measure the activation patterns of neurons (神经元) across the brain by detecting a genetic marker of cell activity in pigeon brains.(他们将鸽子置于略强于地球磁场的环境中一个多小时。该团队通过检测鸽子大脑中细胞活动的基因标记，测量了整个大脑的神经元激活模式。)”可知，研究中的磁场引发了鸽子特定的神经元激活模式。故选D项。
【23题详解】
细节理解题。根据第四段“Using single-cell RNA analysis-researchers identified a unique type of hair cell — type Ⅱ.(通过单细胞RNA分析，研究人员发现了一种独特的毛细胞——Ⅱ型毛细胞。)”可知，鸽子的内耳中有新发现的毛细胞。故选B项。
【24题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第一段“The team carried out advanced brain mapping and single-cell RNA analyzing of pigeon inner-ear cells. Both forms of evidence show that the inner ear is the birds “magnetoreception” organ.(该团队对鸽子内耳细胞进行了先进的脑成像和单细胞RNA分析。两种证据都表明内耳是鸟类的磁感受器官。)”以及下文内容可知，研究发现鸽子依靠内耳的Ⅱ型毛细胞感知地球磁场，其前庭系统是生物指南针，这也解释了鸽子辨向的相关行为，所以B项The Biological Compass Hidden in the Ear(藏在耳朵里的生物指南针)概括文章内容，适合作为文章标题。故选B项。
7.（2026·内蒙古赤峰·一模）
Plants produce chemicals called alkaloids (生物碱) to protect themselves from threats. People rely on alkaloids for pain relief and other medical treatments. Scientists want to better understand how plants create alkaloids so they can develop medicines faster, at lower cost, and with less harm to the environment.
Researchers from the University of York focused on Flueggea suffruticosa, a plant that produces securinine — a powerful type of alkaloid. They uncovered that the key gene responsible for making securinine is similar to genes typically found in bacteria rather than in plants. This finding suggests that plants may have adopted an unusual evolutionary strategy. Instead of relying only on traditional plant chemistry, they appear to reuse molecular (分子的) tools commonly seen in microbes (微生物) to build defensive chemicals.
Dr. Benjamin Lichman, the lead researcher, explained why the discovery stood out. “Plants and bacteria are really different forms of life, and so it was a surprise to see that this significant plant chemical was being driven from a bacterial-like gene. We believe plants ‘recycle’ biological tools that are more commonly found in microbes, when they can be useful to them.” Once the researchers recognized this new chemical pathway, they began finding similar genes hidden within the DNA of many other plants. These plant genes could be used to produce valuable chemicals in laboratory settings, which would reduce the need to harvest rare plants.
Dr. Lichman noted that alkaloids could be poisonous, so they have to be highly controlled and often modified when used in medicines. He emphasized, “Understanding the process of creating alkaloids can help us develop new methods for producing them in the lab or removing them to make some plants less poisonous. Now that we know how to look for this chemical production, we have new methods to explore for the production and discovery of safe medications.”
25. What is a finding of the researchers about the gene producing securinine
A. It evolves in a regular pattern. B. It is more like bacterial genes.
C. It defends plants from bacteria. D. It exists widely in common plants.
26 What can we infer from the discovery in paragraph 3
A. Rare plants contains more alkaloids.
B. Plants produce chemicals from microbes.
C. Bacterial-like genes may exist in many plants.
D. Biological tools are unique to certain microbes.
27. What does the author try to explain by quoting Lichman in the last paragraph
A. The practical value of the research.
B. The process of alkaloid production.
C. The challenges of lab-made chemicals.
D. The complexity of medical exploration.
28. Where is this text probably taken from
A. A popular science magazine. B. A guide on plant identification.
C. A textbook for medical students. D. A research paper on microbiology.
【答案】25. B 26. C 27. A 28. A
【解析】
【导语】这是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了科学家对植物产生生物碱的研究，以白饭树这种能产生强效生物碱securinine的植物为例，发现产生该生物碱的关键基因与细菌基因相似，还指出这一发现对在实验室生产有价值化学物质和开发安全药物的意义。
【25题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段“They uncovered that the key gene responsible for making securinine is similar to genes typically found in bacteria rather than in plants.(他们发现，负责制造securinine的关键基因与通常在细菌中发现的基因相似，而不是在植物中发现的基因。)”可知，研究人员发现产生securinine的基因更像细菌基因。故选B。
【26题详解】
推理判断题。根据第三段“Once the researchers recognized this new chemical pathway, they began finding similar genes hidden within the DNA of many other plants.(一旦研究人员认识到这种新的化学途径，他们就开始在许多其他植物的DNA中发现类似的基因。)”可知，类细菌基因可能存在于许多植物中。故选C。
【27题详解】
推理判断题。根据最后一段“Understanding the process of creating alkaloids can help us develop new methods for producing them in the lab or removing them to make some plants less poisonous. Now that we know how to look for this chemical production, we have new methods to explore for the production and discovery of safe medications.(了解生物碱的生成过程可以帮助我们开发在实验室生产生物碱的新方法，或者去除生物碱以降低某些植物的毒性。既然我们知道如何寻找这种化学物质的生产，我们就有新的方法来探索安全药物的生产和发现。)”可知，作者在最后一段引用Lichman的话试图解释研究的实用价值。故选A。
【28题详解】
推理判断题。文章主要讲述了科学家对植物产生生物碱的研究，以白饭树这种能产生强效生物碱securinine的植物为例，发现产生该生物碱的关键基因与细菌基因相似，还指出这一发现对在实验室生产有价值化学物质和开发安全药物的意义，文章内容通俗易懂，符合流行科学杂志的特点，所以这篇文章可能摘自一本流行科学杂志。故选A。
8.（2026·黑龙江双鸭山·一模）
The enormous brown cane toad (甘蔗蟾蜍) was introduced to Australia intentionally in 1935 to eat native insects that threatened the profitability of sugar plantations. Unfortunately, the toads never got a taste for the insects. They did, however, turn out to be poisonous to predators (捕食者), especially snakes.
The story of the cane toad is a classic example of an ecologically destructive invasive (入侵的) species. In the short term, anyway. But the long term might be different. In 2004, researchers discovered that Australian snakes with a lot of exposure to the toads in their habitat were trending toward smaller mouths — mouths that made them unable to eat the largest, most poisonous toads. Instead, those snakes could successfully prey on smaller, less poisonous young toads.
While, theoretically, eradicating an invasive species ought to be cheaper than managing it or adapting to it, simply being “native” or “invasive” isn’t enough to tell you whether a species should be eradicated.
We have many examples of the relationship between invasive species and their new home environments functioning in ways that might not guarantee an automatic eradication policy. The endangered bird, the southwestern willow flycatcher, nests successfully in invasive tamarisk plants. Invasive trees in Puerto Rico do a better job of establishing forests on heavily degraded former lands than do native trees. Invasive birds help spread the seeds of native plants around the Hawaiian Islands.
The ability of invasive species to adapt and the ability of invasive species to be beneficial as well as harmful have led a handful of scientists to begin speaking out about the possibility of handling invasive species in a different way. Instead of jumping immediately to eradication, they suggest, the ideal course of treatment should, at least, begin with a more thorough examination of the full range of impacts each invasive species has on its new home.
As biologist Mark Davis wrote in the journal Nature, “Nearly two centuries on from the introduction of the concept of nativeness, it’s time for conservationists to focus much more on the functions of species, and much less on where they originated.”
29. What did the researchers find about the Australian snakes
A. They relocated to safer natural habitats. B. They adapted to coexisting with cane toads.
C. They started preying on harmful native insects. D. They reduced their exposure to large cane toads.
30. What does the underlined word “eradicating” in paragraph 3 mean
A. Ignoring. B. Preserving. C. Observing. D. Removing.
31. Why does the author mention the invasive species in paragraph 4
A. To compare them with native species.
B. To illustrate their worsening living conditions.
C. To show their positive effects in their new habitats.
D. To highlight their efforts to fit into the environment.
32. What did Mark Davis suggest regarding conservation efforts
A. Evaluating species by their ecological roles. B. Restoring native species as much as possible.
C. Helping species survive diverse environments. D. Protecting species based on their native origins.
【答案】29. B 30. D 31. C 32. A
【解析】
【导语】这是一篇说明文。甘蔗蟾蜍入侵澳大利亚后，蛇逐渐适应共存，作者通过实例说明入侵物种有正负影响，建议按功能评估物种而非起源。
【29题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段“In 2004, researchers discovered that Australian snakes with a lot of exposure to the toads in their habitat were trending toward smaller mouths — mouths that made them unable to eat the largest, most poisonous toads. Instead, those snakes could successfully prey on smaller, less poisonous young toads.(2004年，研究人员发现，那些在栖息地内经常与蟾蜍接触的澳大利亚蛇，其嘴巴逐渐变小。这种变化使得这些蛇无法吞食体型最大、毒性最强的蟾蜍。相反，这些蛇能够成功捕食体型较小、毒性较弱的幼年蟾蜍)”可知，研究人员发现澳大利亚蛇类适应了与甘蔗蟾蜍共存的环境。故选B。
【30题详解】
词句猜测题。根据第二段“The story of the cane toad is a classic example of an ecologically destructive invasive (入侵的) species. (甘蔗蟾蜍的故事是生态破坏型入侵物种的一个典型例子)”以及划线词后文“an invasive species ought to be cheaper than managing it or adapting to it (一种入侵物种的成本应当低于对其进行管理或适应的成本)”可知，生物入侵导致生态破坏，故此处指清除一种入侵物种的成本应当低于对其进行管理或适应的成本，故划线词意思是“清除、根除”。故选D。
【31题详解】
推理判断题。根据第四段“The endangered bird, the southwestern willow flycatcher, nests successfully in invasive tamarisk plants. Invasive trees in Puerto Rico do a better job of establishing forests on heavily degraded former lands than do native trees. Invasive birds help spread the seeds of native plants around the Hawaiian Islands.(濒危鸟类——西南柳捕蝇鶲在入侵的柽柳植物中成功筑巢。在波多黎各，入侵树木在严重退化的原有土地上营造森林的效果要优于本土树木。入侵鸟类有助于将本土植物的种子散布到夏威夷群岛的各个角落)”可知，作者在第四段中提及这些入侵物种是为了展示它们在新栖息地所产生的积极影响。故选C。
【32题详解】
细节理解题。根据最后一段“As biologist Mark Davis wrote in the journal Nature, “Nearly two centuries on from the introduction of the concept of nativeness, it’s time for conservationists to focus much more on the functions of species, and much less on where they originated.”(正如生物学家马克·戴维斯在《自然》杂志上所写：“自‘原生性’这一概念提出近两百年来，现在是时候让环保主义者更多地关注物种的功能，而减少对其起源地的关注了。”)”可知，马克·戴维斯建议保护工作依据物种的生态作用对其进行评估。故选A。
9.（2026·宁夏三市·一模）
Penguins are some of the world’s most familiar and beloved birds, but southern rockhoppers are the tough guys of the penguin world. Their fondness for colonies (聚居地) high over thousands of feet separates them from the other penguin species that prefer soft, level ground in the Falklands.
One evening, I struggle to keep up with some scientists as they march through thick grass in the Falklands. They are looking for rockhoppers that have pencil-case-size black boxes taped to their backs and collecting those boxes, which contain GPS data loggers (记录仪). Some also track diving and heart-rate information. Later, in the scientists’ field station, we gather around a computer screen, analyzing the collected data, which will give us a critical read on ocean conditions, revealed by the birds’ responses.
With a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, the species can withstand the occasional disaster and rebuild their population over time. But as colonies damaged by human activities struggle to recover, a string of disasters has knocked them down. Despite their bravery, rockhoppers are highly sensitive. Research by these scientists shows that even a small increase in sea temperature can affect the birds’ food supply and lower chick and adult survival. Besides, changing weather is causing unseasonably intense storms, killing chicks who haven’t yet grown their thick, waterproof feathers.
However, moving to cooler water isn’t an option. The constant winds there would push the little penguins into the icy coasts of Antarctica, and there’s no land where they could build new colonies. These scientists are trying to re-establish the native grass. “It may be impossible to stop the changes sweeping their ocean habitats,” Quillfeldt, a seabird ecologist says. “But to help them on land, at the breeding (繁殖) sites, is something we can actually do.”
Thinking of the young rockhopper leaping over a fearful gap, I ask the scientists: Can rockhoppers’ courage be an advantage for their survival Quillfeldt feels it may. Curiosity and bravery can encourage seabirds to find ways to adapt. Don’t forget they’ve got attitude.
33. What is the function of the black boxes on the rockhoppers’ backs
A. To locate GPS data loggers. B. To distinguish birds’ responses.
C. To analyze the survival rate. D. To record data about ocean conditions.
34. What may bring a challenge to rockhoppers’ population
A. Their lengthy lifespan. B. Their fondness for high rocks.
C. Their thick waterproof feathers. D. Their sensitivity to the climate change.
35. What could be a practical way to help rockhoppers according to paragraph 4
A. Establish new colonies. B. Improve the breeding sites.
C. Stop the environmental changes. D. Move to the coasts of Antarctica.
36. What is the author’s attitude toward rockhoppers’ future
A. Hopeful. B. Reserved. C. Dismissive. D. Doubtful.
【答案】33. D 34. D 35. B 36. A
【解析】
【导语】这是一篇说明文，文章主要介绍了南跳岩企鹅的生存现状与保护
【33题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段中“Some also track diving and heart-rate information. Later, in the scientists’ field station, we gather around a computer screen, analyzing the collected data, which will give us a critical read on ocean conditions, revealed by the birds’ responses.(还有一些则会追踪潜水和心率数据。随后，在科学家们的野外工作站里，我们围坐在电脑屏幕前，分析收集到的数据，这些数据将为我们提供有关海洋状况的重要信息，而这些信息是通过鸟类的反应反映出来的)”可知，黑色盒子的功能是为了记录海洋状况的数据，故选D。
【34题详解】
细节理解题。根据第三段中“Despite their bravery, rockhoppers are highly sensitive. Research by these scientists shows that even a small increase in sea temperature can affect the birds’ food supply and lower chick and adult survival. Besides, changing weather is causing unseasonably intense storms, killing chicks who haven’t yet grown their thick, waterproof feathers.(尽管它们很勇敢，但跳岩企鹅非常敏感。这些科学家的研究表明，即使海温只是小幅上升，也会对鸟类的食物供应产生影响，并降低雏鸟和成年鸟的存活率。此外，气候变化导致的异常强风暴正在夺走尚未长出厚实防水羽毛的雏鸟的生命)”可知，跳岩企鹅对环境变化非常敏感：微小的海水升温就会影响它们的食物供应、降低存活率，反常的极端风暴也会杀死幼雏，这是它们种群面临的挑战，故选D。
【35题详解】
细节理解题。根据第四段中““It may be impossible to stop the changes sweeping their ocean habitats,” Quillfeldt, a seabird ecologist says. “But to help them on land, at the breeding (繁殖) sites, is something we can actually do.”(“或许无法阻止席卷它们海洋栖息地的变化，”海洋鸟类生态学家Quillfeldt说道，“但在陆地上，在繁殖地帮助它们，这是我们实际上能够做到的事情。”)”可知，可做的实际行动是改善企鹅的繁殖地点，故选B。
【36题详解】
推理判断题。根据最后一段中“Curiosity and bravery can encourage seabirds to find ways to adapt. Don’t forget they’ve got attitude.(好奇心和勇气能够激励海鸟寻找适应的方法。别忘了它们还有态度)”可知，跳岩企鹅的勇气和好奇心可以鼓励它们找到适应环境的方法，故作者对它们的未来是充满希望的，故选A。
10.（2026·广东茂名·一模）
The dawn chorus of bird song has inspired poets and nature lovers for thousands of years, but why birds start the day remains a lasting mystery.
To explore this, Satoshi Kojima and his colleagues at the Korea Brain Research Institute studied laboratory-raised zebra finches (草雀) under carefully controlled conditions.
First, the team pushed back the time at which the finches were exposed to sudden bright light to 3 hours later than the actual dawn. The birds were awake but stayed silent in the artificial darkness, and when the lights eventually did come on, the birds sang more intensely than usual. When the lights came on three hours earlier than true dawn, the birds still broke into a chorus, but without the same intensity as when they were forced to wait. In other words, Kojima explains, the longer the break between waking and the start of light, the more intense the dawn chorus becomes.
Next, they used the drug luzindole, which blocks the effects of melatonin (褪黑素), a hormone (荷尔蒙) released in the night-time to regulate wakefulness cycles in many animals. Birds that were given this drug five hours before the usual lights-on time woke up much earlier and began singing sooner.
“Due to the absence of singing during the night, the sound-producing system and song structure may slightly become worse, and the dawn chorus serves to quickly restore or perfect them,” says Kojima. While this study only looked at one species, similar drivers may apply to other bird species, he says.
But Diego Gil at the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid, Spain, issues a warning. There are “numerous differences between species in how, when and what birds sing in the dawn chorus”, he says. “This explains why many different assumptions have been proposed to understand the phenomenon.”
37. How did Satoshi Kojima and his colleagues conduct their first study
A. By adjusting the light cycles. B. By interpreting the birds’ chorus.
C. By changing the birds’ sleeping time. D. By controlling the effects of melatonin.
38. What can we infer about the drug luzindole
A. It regulates animals’ wakefulness cycles.
B. It affects birds’ wake-up time and singing.
C. It shortens birds’ total sleeping time daily.
D. It has the same biological effects as melatonin.
39. What is Diego Gil’s attitude towards the findings of the study
A Supportive. B. Negative. C. Unclear. D. Doubtful.
40. What can be a suitable title for the text
A. Why Birds Break Into Song At dawn B. How Melatonin Changes Birds’ Sleep
C. How Artificial Light Changes Birds’ Song D. Why Dawn Chorus Differs Among Species
【答案】37. A 38. B 39. D 40. A
【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。主要介绍科研人员以草雀为研究对象探索鸟类晨鸣的原因，得出相关实验结论，也有学者指出该结论未必适用于所有鸟类物种。
【37题详解】
细节理解题。根据第三段中的“First, the team pushed back the time at which the finches were exposed to sudden bright light to 3 hours later than the actual dawn. (首先，研究小组将草雀接触突然强光的时间推迟到比实际黎明晚3个小时。)”和“When the lights came on three hours earlier than true dawn, the birds still broke into a chorus, but without the same intensity as when they were forced to wait. (当灯光比实际黎明早3个小时亮起时，这些鸟仍然会齐声鸣叫，但强度不如被迫等待时的强度。)”可知，Satoshi Kojima和同事是通过调整光照周期开展第一项研究的。故选A项。
【38题详解】
推理判断题。根据第四段中的“Birds that were given this drug five hours before the usual lights-on time woke up much earlier and began singing sooner. (在常规开灯时间前五小时被喂下这种药物的鸟类醒得更早，开始鸣叫的时间也更早。)”可知，褪黑素阻断剂卢辛哚会影响鸟类的醒来时间和鸣叫时间。故选B项。
【39题详解】
推理判断题。根据第六段中的“But Diego Gil at the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid, Spain, issues a warning. There are “numerous differences between species in how, when and what birds sing in the dawn chorus”, he says. (但西班牙马德里国家自然科学博物馆的迭戈·希尔发出了警告。他说，不同物种的鸟类在晨鸣的方式、时间和鸣唱内容上存在“诸多差异”。)”可知，迭戈·希尔认为不同鸟类晨鸣存在诸多差异，对该研究发现持怀疑态度。故选D项。
【40题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第一段中的“The dawn chorus of bird song has inspired poets and nature lovers for thousands of years, but why birds start the day remains a lasting mystery. (数千年来，鸟类的晨鸣启发了诗人和自然爱好者，但鸟类为何以鸣唱开启一天仍是一个未解之谜。)”以及全文围绕科研人员研究鸟类晨鸣原因展开的内容可知，本文核心是探究鸟类为何会在黎明时鸣唱，所以“为何鸟类会在黎明引吭高歌”适合作为本文标题。故选A项。
11.（2026·黑龙江·联考）
How does an organism like fungi (真菌) without a brain exhibit signs of intelligence The answer lies in their complex network of mycelium (菌丝体) — long and thin threads that fungi use to grow. Most people only see the tiny mushrooms above the ground and don’t know the extensive network that lies beneath.
The researchers engaged in a curious experiment. They wanted to see how a mycelial network would respond to two different situations: woodblocks placed in a circle versus a cross arrangement. The question was simple — how would the fungi behave In the cross arrangement, the further most four blocks were the most populated. The researchers believe this is because the fungi see these outer blocks as outposts (前哨站), helping the mycelial network branch out into further areas. Hence, thick connections were noticed here. When it came to the circle arrangement, there was equal connection at all blocks, but the center remained untouched. The fungi did not see a benefit in extending its network into an area that already had plenty of company. These actions suggest that fungi communicate information across the entire mycelial network, adjusting their growth direction depending on their surrounding shape.
Fungi exhibit remarkable efficiency when it comes to resource allocation, a skill essential for their survival and growth. This ability to optimize resources is a result of complex feedback mechanisms and environmental assessments conducted by the mycelial network. Researchers claim that fungi prioritize areas with abundant resources, indicating an advanced understanding of their surroundings. In resource-rich zones, mycelium growth accelerates, capturing nutrients and storing them for future use. This practice not only ensures the fungi thrive in unstable environments but also highlights their ecological significance as decomposers (分解器) and nutrient recyclers.
The unique problem-solving abilities and efficient networking strategies of fungi have inspired innovations in human technology. Scientists are exploring mycelial algorithms (算法) to develop more efficient networks, such as urban planning and telecommunications systems. The fungi’s extraordinary capacity to communicate and coordinate across their networks offers insights into creating sustainable systems. By imitating their resource allocation methods, researchers a I m to create solutions that enhance human infrastructure (基础建设) leading to smarter and more adaptive frameworks.
41. What can we learn about fungi
A. They are an indicator of their ecological surroundings.
B. They can make use of all available resources around them.
C. They display their unique ability to respond to the environment.
D. They can adjust their growth rate based on their surrounding shape.
42. What does the underlined word “optimize” probably mean in Paragraph 3
A. Make the best of. B. Figure out. C. Pay attention to. D. Look for.
43. What does the last paragraph mainly focus on
A. Unfound capabilities of fungi.
B. The potential market for fungi.
C. Fungi’s inspiration for human technology.
D. The limitation of the experiment on fungi.
44. What would be a suitable title for this text
A. Nature: An Outdoor Classroom
B. A Glimpse into the World of Fungi
C. Networking challenge of Fungi in Nature
D. An Intelligent Ability Discovered in Fungi
【答案】41. C 42. A 43. C 44. D
【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了真菌没有大脑却展现出智能迹象，包括其应对环境、分配资源的能力及对人类科技的启发。
【41题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段中“These actions suggest that fungi communicate information across the entire mycelial network, adjusting their growth direction depending on their surrounding shape.(这些行为表明，真菌在整个菌丝网络中传递信息，并根据周围的形状调整其生长方向)”可知，真菌能根据环境做出反应，展现出其独特的能力。故选C。
【42题详解】
词句猜测题。根据划线词上文“Fungi exhibit remarkable efficiency when it comes to resource allocation, a skill essential for their survival and growth.(真菌在资源分配方面表现出非凡的效率，这是它们生存和生长所必需的技能。)”以及下文“Researchers claim that fungi prioritize areas with abundant resources, indicating an advanced understanding of their surroundings. In resource-rich zones, mycelium growth accelerates, capturing nutrients and storing them for future use.(研究人员称，真菌会优先考虑资源丰富的地区，这表明它们对周围环境有深入的了解。在资源丰富的区域，菌丝体的生长加速，捕获营养物质并储存起来供将来使用)”可知，此处阐述真菌最大化利用资源以实现高效分配的能力是进行复杂反馈和环境评估的结果；划线词optimize意为“充分利用”，与“Make the best of”意思一致。故选A。
【43题详解】
主旨大意题。根据最后一段“The unique problem-solving abilities and efficient networking strategies of fungi have inspired innovations in human technology. Scientists are exploring mycelial algorithms (算法) to develop more efficient networks, such as urban planning and telecommunications systems. The fungi’s extraordinary capacity to communicate and coordinate across their networks offers insights into creating sustainable systems. By imitating their resource allocation methods, researchers aim to create solutions that enhance human infrastructure (基础建设) leading to smarter and more adaptive frameworks.(真菌独特的问题解决能力和高效的网络策略激发了人类技术的创新。科学家们正在探索菌丝算法，以开发更高效的网络，如城市规划和电信系统。真菌在其网络中进行交流和协调的非凡能力，为创造可持续系统提供了见解。通过模仿它们的资源分配方法，研究人员旨在创造提高人类基础设施的解决方案，从而实现更智能、更具适应性的框架)”可知，最后一段主要讲了真菌对人类科技的启发。故选C。
【44题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第一段“How does an organism like fungi (真菌) without a brain exhibit signs of intelligence The answer lies in their complex network of mycelium (菌丝体) — long and thin threads that fungi use to grow. Most people only see the tiny mushrooms above the ground and don’t know the extensive network that lies beneath.(像真菌这样没有大脑的生物是如何表现出智能迹象的呢？答案在于它们复杂的菌丝网络——真菌用来生长的长而细的丝。大多数人只看到地面上的小蘑菇，却不知道地下有一个庞大的网络)”结合下文详细阐述可知，文章主要介绍了真菌没有大脑却展现出智能迹象，包括其应对环境、分配资源的能力及对人类科技的启发，D选项“在真菌中发现的一种智能能力”最符合文章标题。故选D。
12.（2026·新疆伊犁·一模）
Scientists already knew that gulls (海鸥) prefer food that has been touched by people, but it was unclear how well they could draw on their observations of snacking humans to find similar bits of food while foraging (觅食).
In the latest work, Feist, a biologist at the University of Sussex and her colleagues taped green (salt and vinegar) and blue (cheese and onion) packets of crisps to bricks and placed them a few metres from gulls on an otherwise clear patch of Brighton beach. The scientists then backed 5 metres and filmed the birds’ behaviour. In some cases, the researchers simply looked at the camera, while in others they pecked (啄) a green or blue bag of crisps.
When the scientists sat quietly without snacking, less than a fifth of gulls approached the crisp packets placed nearby. But when the researchers were snacking on crisps, 48% of the birds hopped over to check out the packets. Nearly 40% of such approaches ended with gulls pecking at the crisp packets, and of these, 95% were directed at the same colour packet as the scientist was eating from. “It is impressive because the evolutionary history of gulls wouldn’t have involved humans,” said Feist.
The work suggests that there is work to do to reduce tension between humans and urban gulls. The impact of “do not feed the birds” signs might, for example, be improved by adding “…and don’t let them see you eat, either”.
“It is likely that simply stopping the public from directly feeding gulls may not be enough,” Feist said. “They are still able to observe what we eat and that would inform their ability to target waste, litter and so on.”
Dr Goumas, an expert on gulls at Exeter University, said: “This study shows that we aren’t only drawing gulls’ attention to where food is, but they also learn about the type of food we’re eating. Knowing this may have implications for how we reduce negative interactions between humans and gulls, as we seem to be unconsciously teaching gulls to explore new food items.”
45. What is paragraph 2 of the text mainly about
A. The methods of observation. B. The process of Feist’s work.
C. The eating behaviour of gulls. D. The underlying logic of Feist’s work.
46. What can we learn from Feist’s work
A. There is no need to feed urban gulls.
B. Gulls can distinguish between crisps.
C. Humans are crucial in gulls’ evolution.
D. Gulls choose what to eat by watching humans.
47. What does the underlined word “that” in paragraph 5 refer to
A. Behaviour of humans.
B. Gulls’ foraging choices.
C. Ban on people feeding gulls.
D. Gulls’ observations of snacking humans.
48. What does Dr Goumas think of the research result
A. It is of some value. B. It is highly profitable.
C. It takes ages to test it. D. It needs to be practical.
【答案】45. B 46. D 47. D 48. A
【解析】
【导语】本文是一篇说明文。一项研究发现，海鸥有能力观察人类的食物偏好，并利用这些信息找到类似的食物。文章认为，这表明需要采取措施避免人类和海鸥之间的紧张关系。
【45题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第二段“In the latest work, Feist, a biologist at the University of Sussex and her colleagues taped green (salt and vinegar) and blue (cheese and onion) packets of crisps to bricks and placed them a few metres from gulls on an otherwise clear patch of Brighton beach. The scientists then backed 5 metres and filmed the birds’ behaviour. In some cases, the researchers simply looked at the camera, while in others they pecked (啄) a green or blue bag of crisps. (在最新的研究中，萨塞克斯大学的生物学家费斯特和她的同事们把绿色(盐和醋)和蓝色(奶酪和洋葱)的薯片包粘在砖头上，然后把它们放在离海鸥几米远的布莱顿海滩上。科学家们退后5米，拍摄了这些鸟的行为。在一些情况下，研究人员只是看着相机，而在另一些情况下，他们啄着绿色或蓝色的薯片袋。)”可知，本段主要描述并介绍了研究的具体开展过程。故选B。
【46题详解】
推理判断题。根据第三段中“But when the researchers were snacking on crisps, 48% of the birds hopped over to check out the packets. Nearly 40% of such approaches ended with gulls pecking at the crisp packets, and of these, 95% were directed at the same colour packet as the scientist was eating from. (但是当研究人员吃薯片的时候，48%的鸟会跳过去查看包装。近40%的这种方法最终以海鸥啄食薯片包装袋告终，其中95%的海鸥啄食的是与科学家吃的相同颜色的包装袋。)”可知，通过研究发现5%的海鸥啄食的是与科学家吃的相同颜色的包装袋即海鸥通过观察人类来选择吃什么。故选D。
【47题详解】
词义猜测题。根据划线词前面的内容“They are still able to observe what we eat (它们仍然能够观察我们吃什么)”可知，此处指海鸥能够观察到人们吃什么，这将告知它们区分废物、垃圾。因此划线词指代的是“海鸥观察人类零食的行为”。故选D。
【48题详解】
推理判断题。根据最后一段中“Knowing this may have implications for how we reduce negative interactions between humans and gulls, as we seem to be 压轴题04 阅读理解C、D篇
命题预测 分析近年高考英语阅读理解 C、D 篇命题规律，动植物类说明文是经典题材，语篇多选自自然期刊、科研报道、环保报告、高校研究，聚焦珍稀动植物特性、生存现状、适应机制、科研价值、生态保护、进化奥秘等。文章科学性强、专业术语适中、长难句集中，侧重考查细节定位、逻辑推理、词义猜测、主旨概括。2026 年高考仍会重点考查，命题更关注气候变化影响、物种保护、生物智能、生态共生、科研新发现，强调人与自然和谐共生。
高频考法 推理判断题 标题归纳题 细节理解题 词义猜测题 主旨大意题 观点态度 / 写作意图题
动物、植物类说明文基本规律及解题要领
高考动植物类阅读多无标题，结构清晰、说明性强，一般分为四部分：
首段：开门见山引出新物种、新发现、特殊动植物、科研对象。
背景 / 现状：介绍物种生存环境、濒危现状、研究背景、气候 / 人类影响。
主干：详细说明外形特征、适应机制、生存技能、科研价值、保护措施。
结尾：总结研究意义、生态价值、保护呼吁、未来展望。
二、动物、植物类说明文解题技巧
1. 抓语篇结构，快速把握大意
用略读法速读首尾段 + 各段首尾句，圈出核心名词（species /plant/animal /habitat/survival 等）。
动植物类常见行文逻辑：
物种介绍型：外形→习性→适应环境→生存挑战→保护
科研发现型：发现过程→实验方法→研究结果→科学意义
生态保护型：现状危机→原因分析→保护措施→未来展望
2. 定位标志词，精准破解细节与推理
优先定位：动植物名称、地名、研究者、数据、时间、对比词。
长难句处理：拆分主句与从句，抓主语 + 谓语 + 宾语，忽略修饰成分。
答案原则：原文同义替换、客观概括，不加入生活常识臆断。
3. 重点关注适应机制与生存特点
动植物类高频考点：
适应环境的特殊结构 / 行为（耐寒、耐旱、伪装、迁徙、共生）
生存技能与智能表现（辨识、导航、工具使用、信息传递）
濒危原因与保护方向（人类活动、气候变化、栖息地破坏）
4. 紧盯转折与对比，锁定核心信息
高频逻辑词：however / but / while / in contrast / compared with / instead转折后常是物种独特性、研究新结论、真正生存危机，为必考点。
5. 熟悉选项设置规律，快速排除干扰
正确选项：原文信息同义改写、全面概括、符合科学事实。
干扰项：
张冠李戴（把 A 物种特点安到 B 物种）
偷梁换柱（改变范围、程度、条件）
无中生有（原文未提及的能力 / 习性）
以偏概全（用局部特点代替整体主旨）
6. 标题归纳技巧（动植物类专用）
必须包含核心动植物 / 研究对象。
突出特点、发现、保护、生存。
常见格式：物种 + 特点 / 价值 / 保护 / 新发现。
04 动物、植物类
1.（2026·广西·一模）
Scientists have discovered six species of cushion (垫) plants growing at a record-breaking height on Mount Shukule Ⅱ in the Ladakh region of India. These plants were found on a small, rocky area no larger than a football field, and they are more resistant to cold and dry conditions than most plants.
The research team, led by Jiri Dolezal from the Czech Academy of Sciences, studied how plants respond to climate warming in this remote area. Reaching the site required a five-day journey from the nearest road, and the scientists suffered from sickness and extreme tiredness.
In contrast, the plants themselves were well adapted to the cold and dry environment. Each plant was very small, about the size of a coin, and contained a high amount of sugar that acted like natural antifreeze. Their leaves grew in a circular shape, helping them trap warm air and survive long, freezing winters. Although their roots were tiny, one root showed about 20 growth rings, suggesting that the plant had survived there for nearly two decades.
Climate change has warmed the Himalayas, allowing plants to grow higher as glaciers (冰川) retreat. Dolezal estimates that during the short growing season, temperatures in this area have risen by about 6℃ over the past decade. Plants need at least 40 frost-free days each year to grow, and such conditions are now appearing in the Himalayas.
“I’m surprised at the elevation — it’s very high,” says Jan Salick, a botanist at Missouri Botanical Garden in St Louis. But she is encouraged that plants may be able to move to higher altitudes than previously thought, and keep up with climate change.
As part of the research, she has found alpine (高山的) plants in the Himalayas moving upwards at 0.06 metres a year, while the temperature band they usually occupy is outpacing them by rising at 6 metres a year. The fear is that the temperature increase is encouraging the tree line to rise too, which could reduce the space available for alpine plants.
1. What is a feature of the cushion plants
A. They depend on the fairly fertile soil. B. They spread widely across the mountain.
C. They can tolerate cold and dryness. D. They grow faster than other alpine plants.
2. What does the author intend to illustrate about the cushion plants in paragraph 3
A. How scientists discovered their habitat. B. How they survive in the tough conditions.
C. How climate change impacts their distribution. D. How they pose a threat to local species.
3. Why are plants likely to grow even higher in the Himalayas
A. Seeds are spreading more easily.
B. Mountain soils are becoming richer.
C. Their frost-free growing periods are extending.
D. Glaciers at the height are appearing in large numbers.
4. What is the best title for the text
A. Climate Change Helps Plants Grow Higher
B. Record-breaking Plants Were Found in the Himalayas
C. Cushion Plants Are the Most Resistant Plants in the World
D. Alpine Plants Face a Serious Survival Problem in the Himalayas
2.（2026·承德·一模）
It is widely acknowledged that crows (乌鸦) are highly intelligent with cognitive abilities similar to those of 5- to 7-year-old children. Past research has shown that they can count to four and distinguish human voices and faces, and some species can even create tools for future use. Lately, a special study has expanded this list further, revealing that crows can recognize basic geometric features, such as side lengths, parallel lines, and right angles, and shapes like stars, crescents, squares, and irregular four-sided figures.
With the purpose of testing the crows’ geometric skills, scientists showed two crows six shapes on a digital screen and trained them to peck (啄) at the outlier — the shape that looked different from the rest. When the birds chose correctly, they were rewarded with a tasty snack. At first, the researchers made the outlier obvious, such as one flower among five crescents. As the birds got used to the task, the shapes became more similar including squares and irregular four-sided figures. Despite the increasing difficulty, the crows continued to identify the outlier correctly.
The shape recognition ability of crows remains a topic of interest for researchers. They suspect this ability may help them with navigation as they fly around. The birds may have also developed this ability to help them search for food or identify other individual crows — including potential mates — based on their facial features. “All these abilities, at the end of the day, from a biological point of view, have evolved because they provide a survival advantage or a reproductive advantage,” says the study senior author Andreas Nieder, a neurophysiologist at the University of Tübingen in Germany.
In the future, researchers hope to explore which areas of the birds’ brains are responsible for their exceptional ability in geometry. Birds don’t have a cerebral cortex (大脑皮层) — at least, not in the same way that humans do. But for us, that part of the brain is responsible for thinking and other complex functions. Crows still have these abilities, so the researchers assume there must be something else going on inside their heads. “Obviously, evolution found two different ways of giving rise to behaviorally flexible animals,” Nieder says.
5. What does the recent study reveal about crows
A. They can draw simple figures with tools. B. They can tell basic geometric shapes apart.
C. They can do pretty easy math calculations. D. They can recognize human voices and faces.
6. How did the researchers increase the difficulty of the shape- recognition task
A. By shortening the time to respond. B. By presenting more familiar shapes.
C. By showing figures with different colors. D. By enhancing the similarity among shapes.
7. What is paragraph 3 mainly about
A. The role of crows’ geometric potential in navigation.
B. Reasons for crows to evolve shape identification abilities.
C. The various survival benefits of crows’ cognitive talents.
D. Advantages of crows’ food-searching skills over other birds.
8. What is the follow-up step for future study
A. Examining crows’ brain areas related to geometric skills.
B. Comparing the cerebral cortex of humans and crows.
C. Exploring other complex functions of crows’ brains.
D. Studying the causes of crows’ flexible behaviors.
3.（2026·山东滨州·一模）
Over the last 1,400 years, populations of the Yangtze finless porpoise have dramatically declined in China. But intensive surveys of its range only span the last couple of decades, leaving lots of gaps in scientists’ knowledge of the species. In a creative blend of art and science, a new study uses historical poetry to chart the critically endangered animal’s population across the river it calls home.
The finless porpoises once lived throughout the entire Yangtze River, which stretches from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea. Now, the only known freshwater porpoise in the world has fewer than 1,800 individuals left in the wild.
The research team combed through databases of Chinese poetry to find references to the porpoise and map its past distribution. They found 724 poems that mentioned the animal, of which half noted where the porpoises were observed. Their findings were published in Current Biology.
“Having access to past data allows us to detect when declines began and correlate those changes with potential threats like habitat destruction, climate change, overhunting, disease or the introduction of invasive species,” says lead author Zhang Yaoyao, an ecologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The poems suggest the porpoise’s range has decreased by 65% since the Tang dynasty. Most of that decline happened in the river’s tributaries and lakes, where the animal’s range has decreased by 91%. While the population decrease was mostly gradual, the sharpest decline has occurred over the past 100 years. That sudden drop aligns with human activities on the river, especially dam construction in the 1950s that blocked off the porpoise's movement to and from the river's main channel.
The work highlights the connection between culture and science. “Poems are actually ancient citizen science, and many Chinese poets were ‘well-educated intellectuals’,” says Zhang. “These data are not perfect...But they do have a lot of information if you use them correctly.” This approach has potential for uncovering the pasts of other endangered species as well. Previously, scholars have used medieval and ancient texts to understand things like volcanic eruptions, auroras and unusual whales.
9. What challenge do scientists face in their research about the porpoise
A. Its population has dropped off dramatically.
B. Locating its habitats is increasingly difficult.
C. The long-term historical data are insufficient.
D. Its population is hard to calculate precisely.
10 What mainly contributed to the dramatic fall of the porpoise’s populations
A. Poor resistance to diseases. B. Climate changes over time.
C. Human impacts on its habitats. D. Competition with other species.
11. Why does the author mention “volcanic eruptions” in the last paragraph
A. To show major threats to endangered wildlife.
B. To introduce challenges in ecological research.
C. To reveal the wisdom of ancient Chinese poets.
D. To prove the value of ancient texts in research.
12. What can be a suitable title for the text
A. Historical Poems: Records of Ancient Chinese Wildlife
B. citizen Science: A New Approach to Protecting Animals
C. The Yangtze Finless Porpoise: A Critically Endangered Species
D. Ancient Poetry: A Creative Way to Study Endangered Porpoise
4.（2026·河北邯郸·一模）
Scientists have discovered six species of cushion (垫) plants growing at a record-breaking height on Mount Shukule Ⅱ in the Ladakh region of India. These plants were found on a small, rocky area no larger than a football field, and they are more resistant to cold and dry conditions than most plants.
The research team, led by Jiri Dolezal from the Czech Academy of Sciences, studied how plants respond to climate warming in this remote area. Reaching the site required a five-day journey from the nearest road, and the scientists suffered from sickness and extreme tiredness.
In contrast, the plants themselves were well adapted to the cold and dry environment. Each plant was very small, about the size of a coin, and contained a high amount of sugar that acted like natural antifreeze. Their leaves grew in a circular shape, helping them trap warm air and survive long, freezing winters. Although their roots were tiny, one root showed about 20 growth rings, suggesting that the plant had survived there for nearly two decades.
Climate change has warmed the Himalayas, allowing plants to grow higher as glaciers (冰川) retreat. Dolezal estimates that during the short growing season, temperatures in this area have risen by about 6℃ over the past decade. Plants need at least 40 frost-free days each year to grow, and such conditions are now appearing in the Himalayas.
“I’m surprised at the elevation — it’s very high,” says Jan Salick, a botanist at Missouri Botanical Garden in St Louis. But she is encouraged that plants may be able to move to higher altitudes than previously thought, and keep up with climate change.
As part of the research, she has found alpine (高山的) plants in the Himalayas moving upwards at 0.06 metres a year, while the temperature band they usually occupy is outpacing them by rising at 6 metres a year. The fear is that the temperature increase is encouraging the tree line to rise too, which could reduce the space available for alpine plants.
13. What is a feature of the cushion plants
A. They depend on the fairly fertile soil. B. They spread widely across the mountain.
C. They can tolerate cold and dryness. D. They grow faster than other alpine plants.
14. What does the author intend to illustrate about the cushion plants in paragraph 3
A. How scientists discovered their habitat. B. How they survive in the tough conditions.
C. How climate change impacts their distribution. D. How they pose a threat to local species.
15. Why are plants likely to grow even higher in the Himalayas
A. Seeds are spreading more easily.
B. Mountain soils are becoming richer.
C. Their frost-free growing periods are extending.
D. Glaciers at the height are appearing in large numbers.
16. What is the best title for the text
A. Climate Change Helps Plants Grow Higher
B. Record-breaking Plants Were Found in the Himalayas
C. Cushion Plants Are the Most Resistant Plants in the World
D Alpine Plants Face a Serious Survival Problem in the Himalayas
5.（2026·安徽铜陵·一模）
Arabidopsis thaliana (拟南芥), a small thin weed of the mustard family, never seemed likely to gain scientific fame. Yet this common plant has greatly changed from an ignored weed to a biological superstar due to scientists’ foresight, continuous exploration and joint efforts.
Arabidopsis’ journey began with young geneticist George Rédei. At first, Rédei’s research on this weed was widely doubted because many thought only valuable crops or decorative plants were worth studying. But he carried its seeds all the time and later continued research in the US. Inspired by German botanist Friedrich Laibach, he saw its value as a model organism, similar to fruit flies in pared with corn and wheat, Arabidopsis has clear advantages: small size, short growth cycle, many seeds, but what sets it apart from other experimental plants is its only five pairs of chromosomes (染色体), making gene location much easier.
In the 1980s, young scientists like Chris Somerville and Elliot Meyerowitz also noticed its potential. They proved its value through experiments, finding its small genome with little repeated DNA made gene discovery easier. In 2000, a global team finished its research and published the result in Nature, which provided a solid base for future studies.
Today, researches on Arabidopsis have provided important support for crop output expansion, ecological system management and climate change reduction. For instance, the genes identified in Arabidopsis have helped scientists understand the fruit development mechanism of tomatoes and improve the stress resistance of rice.
Beyond plant science, Arabidopsis has also brought new insights to human health research. Notably, about 70% of human cancer-related genes and genes related to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s all exist in this plant.
Arabidopsis is not without limitations. Its simple structure, while useful for genetic research, cannot fully represent the complexity of crops like wheat or corn. However, even with these concerns, this once-ignored weed has already proved that great scientific value can lie in the most unexpected places, and it continues to inspire researchers to explore the mysteries of life.
17. What is special about Arabidopsis as a model organism
A. Its abundant seeds. B. Its brief life period.
C. Its few chromosomes. D. Its unique outer shape.
18. What can be inferred about the Arabidopsis research
A. It cast new light on medical studies. B. It prioritized traditional model organisms.
C. It gained support from most geneticists. D. It targeted major management problems.
19. What is the function of the last paragraph
A. To prove the complexity of Arabidopsis. B. To stress the limitations of Arabidopsis.
C. To restate the importance of Arabidopsis. D. To underline the structure of Arabidopsis.
20. Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text
A. The Applications of Arabidopsis Studies
B. The Link between Arabidopsis and Humans
C. The Discovery of Small Genome in Arabidopsis
D. The Course of Arabidopsis from Weed to Treasure
6.（2026·河北张家口·一模）
A team of researchers suggests that pigeons, common birds famous for their amazing ability to find directions, can sense Earth’s magnetic field (磁场) by detecting tiny electric currents in their inner ears. The team carried out advanced brain mapping and single-cell RNA analyzing of pigeon inner-ear cells. Both forms of evidence show that the inner ear is the birds “magnetoreception” organ.
In the study, professor David Keays and his colleagues designed an experiment to find out how pigeons’ brains respond to magnetic fields. They exposed pigeons to a magnetic field slightly stronger than Earth’s for over an hour. The team used a method to measure the activation patterns of neurons (神经元) across the brain by detecting a genetic marker of cell activity in pigeon brains. Brain activity maps of birds exposed to magnetic fields were compared with those of a control group not exposed to such fields.
The results revealed neuronal activity related to magnetic fields in the brain region that receives signals from the vestibular system — a key part of the inner ear responsible for balance and sense of space. This result narrowed down the possible compasses (指南针) to one — the vestibular system.
Further analysis focused on the inner ear. Using single-cell RNA analysis-researchers identified a unique type of hair cell — type Ⅱ. These cells contain special proteins that make them sensitive to the slightest changes in electrical potential. When a bird flies and moves its head, liquid in the inner ear shifts, crosses magnetic field lines, and generates a weak electric current. These sensitive cells detect this signal and send the information to the brain.
The discovery explains many observed behaviors. For example, homing pigeons often circle in place before choosing a flight direction. It is now clear that such movements are necessary to activate their biological compass — head movements strengthen the signal detected by the inner ear.
21. What can a “magnetoreception” organ most probably do
A. Detect inner ear cells.
B. Block electric currents.
C. Sense Earth’s magnetic field.
D. Strengthen the map-reading ability.
22. What did the magnetic field in the research do to the pigeons
A. It did damage to the pigeons’ inner ears.
B. It led to the generation of new brain cells.
C. It made the pigeons’ heads move relatively.
D. It caused certain activation patterns of neurons.
23. What can be learned about a pigeon’s inner ear
A. It is in a brain region.
B. It has newly identified hair cells.
C. It can move when a pigeon flies.
D. It contains a large variety of proteins.
24. What can be a suitable title for the text
A. Why the Vestibular System Matters Most
B. The Biological Compass Hidden in the Ear
C. New Research Revealed the Secret of Flying
D. How Magnetic Fields Affect Pigeons’ Brain Activity
7.（2026·内蒙古赤峰·一模）
Plants produce chemicals called alkaloids (生物碱) to protect themselves from threats. People rely on alkaloids for pain relief and other medical treatments. Scientists want to better understand how plants create alkaloids so they can develop medicines faster, at lower cost, and with less harm to the environment.
Researchers from the University of York focused on Flueggea suffruticosa, a plant that produces securinine — a powerful type of alkaloid. They uncovered that the key gene responsible for making securinine is similar to genes typically found in bacteria rather than in plants. This finding suggests that plants may have adopted an unusual evolutionary strategy. Instead of relying only on traditional plant chemistry, they appear to reuse molecular (分子的) tools commonly seen in microbes (微生物) to build defensive chemicals.
Dr. Benjamin Lichman, the lead researcher, explained why the discovery stood out. “Plants and bacteria are really different forms of life, and so it was a surprise to see that this significant plant chemical was being driven from a bacterial-like gene. We believe plants ‘recycle’ biological tools that are more commonly found in microbes, when they can be useful to them.” Once the researchers recognized this new chemical pathway, they began finding similar genes hidden within the DNA of many other plants. These plant genes could be used to produce valuable chemicals in laboratory settings, which would reduce the need to harvest rare plants.
Dr. Lichman noted that alkaloids could be poisonous, so they have to be highly controlled and often modified when used in medicines. He emphasized, “Understanding the process of creating alkaloids can help us develop new methods for producing them in the lab or removing them to make some plants less poisonous. Now that we know how to look for this chemical production, we have new methods to explore for the production and discovery of safe medications.”
25. What is a finding of the researchers about the gene producing securinine
A. It evolves in a regular pattern. B. It is more like bacterial genes.
C. It defends plants from bacteria. D. It exists widely in common plants.
26 What can we infer from the discovery in paragraph 3
A. Rare plants contains more alkaloids.
B. Plants produce chemicals from microbes.
C. Bacterial-like genes may exist in many plants.
D. Biological tools are unique to certain microbes.
27. What does the author try to explain by quoting Lichman in the last paragraph
A. The practical value of the research.
B. The process of alkaloid production.
C. The challenges of lab-made chemicals.
D. The complexity of medical exploration.
28. Where is this text probably taken from
A. A popular science magazine. B. A guide on plant identification.
C. A textbook for medical students. D. A research paper on microbiology.
8.（2026·黑龙江双鸭山·一模）
The enormous brown cane toad (甘蔗蟾蜍) was introduced to Australia intentionally in 1935 to eat native insects that threatened the profitability of sugar plantations. Unfortunately, the toads never got a taste for the insects. They did, however, turn out to be poisonous to predators (捕食者), especially snakes.
The story of the cane toad is a classic example of an ecologically destructive invasive (入侵的) species. In the short term, anyway. But the long term might be different. In 2004, researchers discovered that Australian snakes with a lot of exposure to the toads in their habitat were trending toward smaller mouths — mouths that made them unable to eat the largest, most poisonous toads. Instead, those snakes could successfully prey on smaller, less poisonous young toads.
While, theoretically, eradicating an invasive species ought to be cheaper than managing it or adapting to it, simply being “native” or “invasive” isn’t enough to tell you whether a species should be eradicated.
We have many examples of the relationship between invasive species and their new home environments functioning in ways that might not guarantee an automatic eradication policy. The endangered bird, the southwestern willow flycatcher, nests successfully in invasive tamarisk plants. Invasive trees in Puerto Rico do a better job of establishing forests on heavily degraded former lands than do native trees. Invasive birds help spread the seeds of native plants around the Hawaiian Islands.
The ability of invasive species to adapt and the ability of invasive species to be beneficial as well as harmful have led a handful of scientists to begin speaking out about the possibility of handling invasive species in a different way. Instead of jumping immediately to eradication, they suggest, the ideal course of treatment should, at least, begin with a more thorough examination of the full range of impacts each invasive species has on its new home.
As biologist Mark Davis wrote in the journal Nature, “Nearly two centuries on from the introduction of the concept of nativeness, it’s time for conservationists to focus much more on the functions of species, and much less on where they originated.”
29. What did the researchers find about the Australian snakes
A. They relocated to safer natural habitats. B. They adapted to coexisting with cane toads.
C. They started preying on harmful native insects. D. They reduced their exposure to large cane toads.
30. What does the underlined word “eradicating” in paragraph 3 mean
A. Ignoring. B. Preserving. C. Observing. D. Removing.
31. Why does the author mention the invasive species in paragraph 4
A. To compare them with native species.
B. To illustrate their worsening living conditions.
C. To show their positive effects in their new habitats.
D. To highlight their efforts to fit into the environment.
32. What did Mark Davis suggest regarding conservation efforts
A. Evaluating species by their ecological roles. B. Restoring native species as much as possible.
C. Helping species survive diverse environments. D. Protecting species based on their native origins.
9.（2026·宁夏三市·一模）
Penguins are some of the world’s most familiar and beloved birds, but southern rockhoppers are the tough guys of the penguin world. Their fondness for colonies (聚居地) high over thousands of feet separates them from the other penguin species that prefer soft, level ground in the Falklands.
One evening, I struggle to keep up with some scientists as they march through thick grass in the Falklands. They are looking for rockhoppers that have pencil-case-size black boxes taped to their backs and collecting those boxes, which contain GPS data loggers (记录仪). Some also track diving and heart-rate information. Later, in the scientists’ field station, we gather around a computer screen, analyzing the collected data, which will give us a critical read on ocean conditions, revealed by the birds’ responses.
With a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, the species can withstand the occasional disaster and rebuild their population over time. But as colonies damaged by human activities struggle to recover, a string of disasters has knocked them down. Despite their bravery, rockhoppers are highly sensitive. Research by these scientists shows that even a small increase in sea temperature can affect the birds’ food supply and lower chick and adult survival. Besides, changing weather is causing unseasonably intense storms, killing chicks who haven’t yet grown their thick, waterproof feathers.
However, moving to cooler water isn’t an option. The constant winds there would push the little penguins into the icy coasts of Antarctica, and there’s no land where they could build new colonies. These scientists are trying to re-establish the native grass. “It may be impossible to stop the changes sweeping their ocean habitats,” Quillfeldt, a seabird ecologist says. “But to help them on land, at the breeding (繁殖) sites, is something we can actually do.”
Thinking of the young rockhopper leaping over a fearful gap, I ask the scientists: Can rockhoppers’ courage be an advantage for their survival Quillfeldt feels it may. Curiosity and bravery can encourage seabirds to find ways to adapt. Don’t forget they’ve got attitude.
33. What is the function of the black boxes on the rockhoppers’ backs
A. To locate GPS data loggers. B. To distinguish birds’ responses.
C. To analyze the survival rate. D. To record data about ocean conditions.
34. What may bring a challenge to rockhoppers’ population
A. Their lengthy lifespan. B. Their fondness for high rocks.
C. Their thick waterproof feathers. D. Their sensitivity to the climate change.
35. What could be a practical way to help rockhoppers according to paragraph 4
A. Establish new colonies. B. Improve the breeding sites.
C. Stop the environmental changes. D. Move to the coasts of Antarctica.
36. What is the author’s attitude toward rockhoppers’ future
A. Hopeful. B. Reserved. C. Dismissive. D. Doubtful.
10.（2026·广东茂名·一模）
The dawn chorus of bird song has inspired poets and nature lovers for thousands of years, but why birds start the day remains a lasting mystery.
To explore this, Satoshi Kojima and his colleagues at the Korea Brain Research Institute studied laboratory-raised zebra finches (草雀) under carefully controlled conditions.
First, the team pushed back the time at which the finches were exposed to sudden bright light to 3 hours later than the actual dawn. The birds were awake but stayed silent in the artificial darkness, and when the lights eventually did come on, the birds sang more intensely than usual. When the lights came on three hours earlier than true dawn, the birds still broke into a chorus, but without the same intensity as when they were forced to wait. In other words, Kojima explains, the longer the break between waking and the start of light, the more intense the dawn chorus becomes.
Next, they used the drug luzindole, which blocks the effects of melatonin (褪黑素), a hormone (荷尔蒙) released in the night-time to regulate wakefulness cycles in many animals. Birds that were given this drug five hours before the usual lights-on time woke up much earlier and began singing sooner.
“Due to the absence of singing during the night, the sound-producing system and song structure may slightly become worse, and the dawn chorus serves to quickly restore or perfect them,” says Kojima. While this study only looked at one species, similar drivers may apply to other bird species, he says.
But Diego Gil at the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid, Spain, issues a warning. There are “numerous differences between species in how, when and what birds sing in the dawn chorus”, he says. “This explains why many different assumptions have been proposed to understand the phenomenon.”
37. How did Satoshi Kojima and his colleagues conduct their first study
A. By adjusting the light cycles. B. By interpreting the birds’ chorus.
C. By changing the birds’ sleeping time. D. By controlling the effects of melatonin.
38. What can we infer about the drug luzindole
A. It regulates animals’ wakefulness cycles.
B. It affects birds’ wake-up time and singing.
C. It shortens birds’ total sleeping time daily.
D. It has the same biological effects as melatonin.
39. What is Diego Gil’s attitude towards the findings of the study
A Supportive. B. Negative. C. Unclear. D. Doubtful.
40. What can be a suitable title for the text
A. Why Birds Break Into Song At dawn B. How Melatonin Changes Birds’ Sleep
C. How Artificial Light Changes Birds’ Song D. Why Dawn Chorus Differs Among Species
11.（2026·黑龙江·联考）
How does an organism like fungi (真菌) without a brain exhibit signs of intelligence The answer lies in their complex network of mycelium (菌丝体) — long and thin threads that fungi use to grow. Most people only see the tiny mushrooms above the ground and don’t know the extensive network that lies beneath.
The researchers engaged in a curious experiment. They wanted to see how a mycelial network would respond to two different situations: woodblocks placed in a circle versus a cross arrangement. The question was simple — how would the fungi behave In the cross arrangement, the further most four blocks were the most populated. The researchers believe this is because the fungi see these outer blocks as outposts (前哨站), helping the mycelial network branch out into further areas. Hence, thick connections were noticed here. When it came to the circle arrangement, there was equal connection at all blocks, but the center remained untouched. The fungi did not see a benefit in extending its network into an area that already had plenty of company. These actions suggest that fungi communicate information across the entire mycelial network, adjusting their growth direction depending on their surrounding shape.
Fungi exhibit remarkable efficiency when it comes to resource allocation, a skill essential for their survival and growth. This ability to optimize resources is a result of complex feedback mechanisms and environmental assessments conducted by the mycelial network. Researchers claim that fungi prioritize areas with abundant resources, indicating an advanced understanding of their surroundings. In resource-rich zones, mycelium growth accelerates, capturing nutrients and storing them for future use. This practice not only ensures the fungi thrive in unstable environments but also highlights their ecological significance as decomposers (分解器) and nutrient recyclers.
The unique problem-solving abilities and efficient networking strategies of fungi have inspired innovations in human technology. Scientists are exploring mycelial algorithms (算法) to develop more efficient networks, such as urban planning and telecommunications systems. The fungi’s extraordinary capacity to communicate and coordinate across their networks offers insights into creating sustainable systems. By imitating their resource allocation methods, researchers a I m to create solutions that enhance human infrastructure (基础建设) leading to smarter and more adaptive frameworks.
41. What can we learn about fungi
A. They are an indicator of their ecological surroundings.
B. They can make use of all available resources around them.
C. They display their unique ability to respond to the environment.
D. They can adjust their growth rate based on their surrounding shape.
42. What does the underlined word “optimize” probably mean in Paragraph 3
A. Make the best of. B. Figure out. C. Pay attention to. D. Look for.
43. What does the last paragraph mainly focus on
A. Unfound capabilities of fungi.
B. The potential market for fungi.
C. Fungi’s inspiration for human technology.
D. The limitation of the experiment on fungi.
44. What would be a suitable title for this text
A. Nature: An Outdoor Classroom
B. A Glimpse into the World of Fungi
C. Networking challenge of Fungi in Nature
D. An Intelligent Ability Discovered in Fungi
12.（2026·新疆伊犁·一模）
Scientists already knew that gulls (海鸥) prefer food that has been touched by people, but it was unclear how well they could draw on their observations of snacking humans to find similar bits of food while foraging (觅食).
In the latest work, Feist, a biologist at the University of Sussex and her colleagues taped green (salt and vinegar) and blue (cheese and onion) packets of crisps to bricks and placed them a few metres from gulls on an otherwise clear patch of Brighton beach. The scientists then backed 5 metres and filmed the birds’ behaviour. In some cases, the researchers simply looked at the camera, while in others they pecked (啄) a green or blue bag of crisps.
When the scientists sat quietly without snacking, less than a fifth of gulls approached the crisp packets placed nearby. But when the researchers were snacking on crisps, 48% of the birds hopped over to check out the packets. Nearly 40% of such approaches ended with gulls pecking at the crisp packets, and of these, 95% were directed at the same colour packet as the scientist was eating from. “It is impressive because the evolutionary history of gulls wouldn’t have involved humans,” said Feist.
The work suggests that there is work to do to reduce tension between humans and urban gulls. The impact of “do not feed the birds” signs might, for example, be improved by adding “…and don’t let them see you eat, either”.
“It is likely that simply stopping the public from directly feeding gulls may not be enough,” Feist said. “They are still able to observe what we eat and that would inform their ability to target waste, litter and so on.”
Dr Goumas, an expert on gulls at Exeter University, said: “This study shows that we aren’t only drawing gulls’ attention to where food is, but they also learn about the type of food we’re eating. Knowing this may have implications for how we reduce negative interactions between humans and gulls, as we seem to be unconsciously teaching gulls to explore new food items.”
45. What is paragraph 2 of the text mainly about
A. The methods of observation. B. The process of Feist’s work.
C. The eating behaviour of gulls. D. The underlying logic of Feist’s work.
46. What can we learn from Feist’s work
A. There is no need to feed urban gulls.
B. Gulls can distinguish between crisps.
C. Humans are crucial in gulls’ evolution.
D. Gulls choose what to eat by watching humans.
47. What does the underlined word “that” in paragraph 5 refer to
A. Behaviour of humans.
B. Gulls’ foraging choices.
C. Ban on people feeding gulls.
D. Gulls’ observations of snacking humans.
48. What does Dr Goumas think of the research result
A. It is of some value. B. It is highly profitable.
C. It takes ages to test it. D. It needs to be practical.
13.（2026·湖南邵阳·一模）
In the world of gardening and agriculture, the focus has traditionally been on what happens above ground. However, a revolution is taking place in our understanding of plant life, driven by the discovery of vast fungal networks known as the “Wood Wide Web”. This underground internet, formed by mycorrhizal fungi(菌根真菌), connects the roots of nearly all plants on Earth, allowing them to communicate and share resources.
These fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant hosts. In exchange for sugars from the plant’s photosynthesis, the fungal threads, called mycelium, extend far beyond the plant’s own root system, acting as an extension of its roots. This network transports vital nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from areas of abundance to areas of scarcity. Remarkably, research has shown that trees can use this network to support their own seedlings. A “mother tree” can send surplus carbon to shaded seedlings struggling to photosynthesize, significantly increasing their survival chances.
The network also serves as an early warning system. When a plant is attacked by pests, it can release chemical signals into the network. Nearby plants that receive these signals can then preemptively ramp up their own chemical defenses before the pests reach them. This challenges the long - held view of plants as passive and isolated competitors; instead, they are active participants in a dynamic and intelligent community.
Despite its benefits, the Wood Wide Web has a dark side. Some plants, like certain orchid species, are “cheaters”. They connect to the network but do not contribute their own sugars. Instead, they steal carbon resources from the surrounding plants, essentially parasitizing the system. This complexity adds another layer to our understanding of forest ecology.
Understanding these networks has profound implications. As we face challenges like climate change and deforestation, insights into the Wood Wide Web could inform reforestation efforts. By planting “hub trees” that readily form fungal connections, we could help establish resilient and self- sustaining forests more quickly, promoting ecosystem recovery on a larger scale.
49. What’s the main function of the Wood Wide Web
A. Linking the roots of all plants.
B. Helping plants absorb water efficiently.
C. Serving as microbes’ main food.
D. Facilitating plant communication and sharing.
50. How does the mother tree help seedlings according to Paragraph 2
A. By supplying nutrients via fungal networks.
B. By shielding from strong sunlight.
C. By releasing pest- killing chemicals.
D. By providing more sugars.
51. Why does the author mention “cheaters” in Paragraph 4
A. To explain the Wood Wide Web has weaknesses.
B. To prove the Wood Wide Web has fragile and harmful species.
C. To prove the Wood Wide Web threatens agriculture.
D. To show the Wood Wide Web is beneficial to ecosystem.
52. What’s the author’s main purpose in writing
A. To explain the benefits of fungal networks.
B. To introduce a complex and symbiotic natural system.
C. To criticize previous agricultural practices.
D. To promote commercial application of fungal networks.
14.（2026·贵州贵阳·一模）
Most dog owners know their pets can understand daily phrases like “walkies” or “time for dinner.” Some intelligent canines even recognize over 100 words, and a few “genius” ones can learn new words purely by overhearing on human conversations — a skill once thought unique to young children.
A study published in Science by Hungarian researchers found that such gifted dogs can learn new toy names by overhearing owners, with language skills comparable to 18- month- old toddlers. In the experiment, owners talked about two new toys with family members in front of dogs without direct interaction. Later, when the new toys were mixed with other familiar ones in another room, the dogs could pick out the new ones as accurately as when directly taught, with nearly 100% correctness.
“Some dogs knew exactly what to do — they went straight for the new toy and brought it back at once,” said study co- author Shany Dror from the Clever Dog Lab. Animal psychologist Heidi Lyn, not involved in the study, noted that the dogs’ capacity to concentrate on conversations, identify item names and link them accurately demonstrates superior attention and cognitive abilities. Similarly, psychologist Nameera Akhtar acknowledged the study’s value but reminded that the sample was specially smart, so findings may not apply to all dogs.
It’s unclear how exactly such “gifted” dogs learn new words, and it remains unknown why some dogs seem much more able to pick up new words and phrases than others. The current study only focuses on a small group of particularly smart canines, so the findings may not apply to all dog breeds. Future research could explore whether there are specific genetic or environmental factors that contribute to their exceptional language- learning ability, which may help people gain a deeper understanding of canine cognition and even improve the way we communicate with our furry companions.
53. What can we learn about the experiment from the passage
A. The dogs’ performance was no better than they were taught directly.
B. Owners taught the dogs new toy names directly during the experiment.
C. The experiment was conducted on gifted dogs and 18- month- old toddlers.
D. The dogs picked out new toys with almost 100% accuracy after overhearing.
54. What does Heidi Lyn’s comment imply about the gifted dogs
A. Their attention skills are identical to those of other animals.
B. They learn new words faster than ordinary dogs by teaching.
C. Their are able to understand human conversations by nature.
D. Their cognitive skills are acknowledged by their performance.
55. What is Nameera Akhtar’s attitude towards the study’s findings
A. Objective. B. Supportive. C. Doubtful. D. Critical.
56. What would be the best title for the passage
A Insights into Dogs’ Language Learning B. Dogs’ Gifted Language Learning Skills
C. Genius Dogs Learn Words by Overhearing D. Factors of Genius Dogs’ Language Learning
15.（2026·云南昭通·一模）
When we talk about animal intelligence, mice are not always the first to come to mind. However, a new study, published in Current Biology, has revealed surprising results about the cognitive (认知的) abilities of these small animals, showing they may be more strategic than we think.
Kishore Kuchibhotla, a neuroscientist (神经科学家) who has long worked with mice, noticed a strange phenomenon: mice often did poorly in tests even when they seemed to know how to do well. They put forward two possible explanations: the poor performance was either caused by stress or a purposeful behavior of exploring and testing their knowledge. To find out why, Kuchibhotla and his graduate student Zi Yizhu designed a simple experiment.
In the experiment, mice were trained to respond to two different sounds. When they heard one sound, they needed to turn a wheel to the left; for the other sound, they had to turn it to the right. Correct responses were rewarded. The researchers observed that when hearing the same sound in constant trials, the mice would first turn left for a while, then switch to right. These seemingly “mistakes” were actually purposeful actions. To further confirm, the team removed the reward. When a mouse gave a correct response but got no reward, it immediately improved its performance in the next test. Kuchibhotla explained that this showed the mice had an internal understanding of the task: the lack of reward broke their expectations, making them use their existing knowledge to do better.
The researchers concluded that the gap between the mice’s knowledge and their test performance came from exploration — a form of strategic thinking. Though it’s hard to say animals form formal hypotheses (假设), mice may use higher cognitive processes that involve conjecture about task rules, forming an opinion that is not based on definite knowledge. This kind of mental activity is similar to how nonverbal human babies learn, as both require the ability to process external information and form initial perception of the environment.
This study deepens our understanding of animal cognition. Next, the team plans to identify the neural basis of such strategic thinking and compare it across species.
57. What can possibly explain the mice’s poor performance in tests in paragraph 2
A. Tiredness from stressful life. B. Fear or internal pressure.
C. Lack of cognitive abilities. D. Stress or intentional exploration.
58. What would the mice do when the reward was removed
A. Repeat the same response. B. Make more purposeful mistakes.
C. Perform better in the next trial. D. Fail to use their existing knowledge.
59. What does the underlined word “conjecture” in paragraph 4 probably mean
A. Explanation. B. Guess. C. Record. D. Memory.
60. What is the passage mainly about
A. A new discovery about mice’s unexpected cognitive skills.
B. A research to find the neural basis of animal intelligence.
C. A discussion of strategic thinking in different animal species.
D. A comparison between mice and human babies’ thinking ability.
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