A
Many of the most striking beasts on the planet come in only two colors: black and white. These high-contrast markings represent some of the nature's most diverse evolutionary choices. For some animals, black -and- white coloring is a way to warn off natural enemies. For others, to keep insects away. For still others, it creates a clever cover. Spend some time exploring what science has discovered about these animals’ appearances, and you will see that basic black and white isn't so basic after all.
Skunk(臭鼬)
Depending on the species, black skunks may wear white spots that act as a cover or white stripes that signal enemies to watch out for their smelly spray.
Giant Panda
Recent insights into panda coloring have come from studying each body part separately. Black ears indicate fierceness, and distinct eye patches aid in individual recognition. The panda in white body hides it against snow, while its dark limbs keep it from being spotted in forests, a compromise developed from its poor bamboo diet: Bamboo doesn’t let pandas build up enough fat to hibernate, forcing them to spend winters in the snow.
Badger
Even when a badger is in its cave, its facial stripes can be seen, Zoologists say the warning coloration helps the small animal prevent natural enemies.
Blackbuck(male)
In bright sun, the buck’s white stomach reduces the effect of the shadow cast by his back, allowing him to appear one color and two dimensional—especially hiding from natural enemies in his own shadow.
1. Which animals can use their color to warn off natural enemies?
A. Skunk and Badger. B. Giant panda and Zebra.C. Badger and Blackbuck. D. Zebra and Blackbuck.
2. White body and dark limbs help the giant panda to ________.
A. show fierceness B. store fat C. recognize individuals D. take cover
3. In which section of a magazine will this passage appear?
A. Social Life. B. Nutritious Diets. C. Animal Facts. D. Fashion Trend.
【答案】1. A 2. D 3. C
【解析】
【分析】这是一篇应用文。文章主要介绍了四种只有黑白两种颜色的动物的知识。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段“Skunk(臭鼬)Depending on the species, black skunks may wear white spots that act as a cover or white stripes that signal enemies to watch out for their smelly spray.(臭鼬 根据种类的不同，黑色臭鼬身上可能会有白色斑点作为掩护，也可能会有白色条纹，提醒敌人注意它们散发的臭味)”以及倒数第二段“Badger Even when a badger is in its cave, its facial stripes can be seen, Zoologists say the warning coloration helps the small animal prevent natural enemies.(獾 即使獾在洞穴里，也能看到它脸上的条纹。动物学家说，这种警示色有助于小动物抵御天敌)”可知，臭鼬和獾可以用自己的颜色来警告天敌。故选A。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据第三段中“Giant Panda The panda in white body hides it against snow, while its dark limbs keep it from being spotted in forests, a compromise developed from its poor bamboo diet: Bamboo doesn’t let pandas build up enough fat to hibernate, forcing them to spend winters in the snow.(大熊猫 白色的身体可以让熊猫在雪地里躲藏起来，而黑色的四肢可以让它在森林里不被发现，这是由于熊猫吃的竹子少而形成的折衷：竹子不能让熊猫积累足够的脂肪来冬眠，迫使它们在雪地里过冬)”可知，白色的身体和黑色的四肢帮助大熊猫寻找掩护。故选D。
【3题详解】
推理判断题。根据第一段“Many of the most striking beasts on the planet come in only two colors: black and white. These high-contrast markings represent some of the nature's most diverse evolutionary choices. For some animals, black -and- white coloring is a way to warn off natural enemies. For others, to keep insects away. For still others, it creates a clever cover. Spend some time exploring what science has discovered about these animals’ appearances, and you will see that basic black and white isn't so basic after all.(地球上许多最引人注目的动物只有两种颜色：黑色和白色。这些高对比度的标记代表了自然界最多样化的进化选择。对于一些动物来说，黑白两色是一种警告天敌的方式。对其他动物来说，是为了驱走昆虫。对于另外一些动物来说，这是一个巧妙的掩护。花些时间探索科学对这些动物外表的发现，你会发现基本的黑白不是那么简单)”结合文章主要介绍了四种只有黑白两种颜色的动物的知识。可推知，文章可能出现在报纸的“动物知识”版面。故选C。
