Termite mounds

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题目与答案

1. paragraph_main 27
   • methods used to investigate termite mound formation
   • challenging our assumptions about the nature of life
   • reconsidering the termite’s reputation
   • principal functions of the termite mound
   • distribution of termite mounds in sub-Saharan Africa
   • some potential benefits of understanding termite architecture

   答案：reconsidering the termite’s reputation

   原文定位：To most of us, termites are destructive insects which can cause damage on a devastating scale. But according to Dr Rupert Soar;these pests may serve a useful purpose for us after all

2. paragraph_main 28
   • methods used to investigate termite mound formation
   • challenging our assumptions about the nature of life
   • reconsidering the termite’s reputation
   • principal functions of the termite mound
   • distribution of termite mounds in sub-Saharan Africa
   • some potential benefits of understanding termite architecture

   答案：the astonishing physical dimensions of the termite mound

   原文定位：Termite mounds are impressive for their size alone; typically they are three metres high, and some as tall as eight metres by found. They also reach far into the earth

3. paragraph_main 29
   • methods used to investigate termite mound formation
   • challenging our assumptions about the nature of life
   • reconsidering the termite’s reputation
   • principal functions of the termite mound
   • distribution of termite mounds in sub-Saharan Africa
   • some potential benefits of understanding termite architecture

   答案：principal functions of the termite mound

   原文定位：This complex system of tunnels draws in air from the outside, capturing wind energy to drive it through the mound. It also serves to expel spent respiratory gases from the nest to prevent the termites from suffocating;the nest stays within three degrees of a constant temperature;The mound also automatically regulates moisture in the air

4. paragraph_main 30
   • i methods used to investigate termite mound formation
   • ii challenging our assumptions about the nature of life
   • reconsidering the termite’s reputation
   • principal functions of the termite mound
   • distribution of termite mounds in sub-Saharan Africa
   • some potential benefits of understanding termite architecture

   答案：a mutually beneficial relationship

   原文定位：Part of their digestive process is carried out by a fungus, which they ‘farm’ inside the mound;The termites feed the fungus with slightly chewed wood pulp, which the fungus then breaks down into a digestible sugary food to provide the insects with energy, and cellulose which they use for building

5. paragraph_main 31
   • methods used to investigate termite mound formation
   • challenging our assumptions about the nature of life
   • reconsidering the termite’s reputation
   • principal functions of the termite mound
   • distribution of termite mounds in sub-Saharan Africa
   • some potential benefits of understanding termite architecture

   答案：challenging our assumptions about the nature of life

   原文定位：Scientists are so excited by the mounds that they have labelled them a ‘super organism’;What the termites have done is to move homeostatic function away from their body, into the structure in which they live. As more information comes to light about the unique features of termite mounds, we may ultimately need to redefine our understanding of what constitutes a ‘living’ organism

6. paragraph_main 32
   • methods used to investigate termite mound formation
   • challenging our assumptions about the nature of life
   • reconsidering the termite’s reputation
   • principal functions of the termite mound
   • distribution of termite mounds in sub-Saharan Africa
   • some potential benefits of understanding termite architecture

   答案：methods used to investigate termite mound formation

   原文定位：Soar’s team begins by filling and covering their plaster of Paris... The researchers then carves the plaster of Paris into half-millimetre-thick slices, and photograph them sequentially. Once the pictures are digitally scanned, computer technology is able to recreate complex three-dimensional images of the mounds

7. paragraph_main 33
   • methods used to investigate termite mound formation
   • challenging our assumptions about the nature of life
   • reconsidering the termite’s reputation
   • principal functions of the termite mound
   • distribution of termite mounds in sub-Saharan Africa
   • some potential benefits of understanding termite architecture

   答案：some potential benefits of understanding termite architecture

   原文定位：the findings could be invaluable in informing future architectural design, and could inspire buildings that are self-sufficient, environmentally, and cheap to run;the findings will provide clues that aid the ultimate development of new kinds of human habitats, suitable for a variety of arid, hostile environments not only on the earth but maybe one day on the moon and beyond

8. · 34 network of _____ helps to give the termites a constant

   答案：tunnels

   原文定位：This complex system of tunnels draws in air from the outside;so ensuring them a continuous provision of fresh, breathable air. So detailed is the design that the nest stays within three degrees of a constant temperature

9. · 35_____ supply and to maintain a limited temperature range

   答案：air

   原文定位：This complex system of tunnels draws in air from the outside, capturing wind energy to drive it through the mound. It also serves to expel spent respiratory gases from the nest to prevent the termites from suffocating, so ensuring them a continuous provision of fresh, breathable air

10. · 36 cellar to aid control of _____ levels in mound

    答案：moisture

    原文定位：The mound also automatically regulates moisture in the air, by means of its underground ‘cellar’, and evaporation from the top of the mound

11. · 37 top of the mound permits _____ .

    答案：evaporation

    原文定位：The mound also automatically regulates moisture in the air, by means of its underground ‘cellar’, and evaporation from the top of the mound

12. 38 The termite mound appears to process its refuse material internally.
    • YES
    • NO
    • NOT GIVEN

    答案：YES

    原文定位：And, although the termites must generate waste, none ever leaves the structure, indicating that there is also some kind of internal waste-recycling system

13. 39 Dr Soar’s reconstruction involves scanning a single photograph of a complete mound into a computer.
    • YES
    • NO
    • NOT GIVEN

    答案：NO

    原文定位：The researchers then carves the plaster of Paris into half-millimetre-thick slices, and photograph them sequentially. Once the pictures are digitally scanned, computer technology is able to recreate complex three-dimensional images of the mounds

14. 40 New information about termite architecture could help people deal with future energy crises.
    • YES
    • NO
    • NOT GIVEN

    答案：NOT GIVEN

    原文定位：the findings could be invaluable in informing future architectural design, and could inspire buildings that are self-sufficient, environmentally, and cheap to run. ‘As we approach a world of climate change;there will not be enough fuel to drive air conditioners around the world. It is hoped;that the findings will provide clues that aid the ultimate development of new kinds of human habitats, suitable for a variety of arid, hostile environments