Unit 2 Iconic Attractions Reading and Thinking 分层同步练习-2025-2026学年高中英语人教版选择性必修第四册

Reading and Thinking 一、必备知识基础练 Ⅰ.单词拼写 1.Some satellites are best used around the 　　　　　(赤道),while others are better suited to more polar orbits.  2.The whole family was satisfied with the 　　　　　(户外烧烤) dinner and chatted in the yard till seven.  3.At present,our 　　　　　　(首要的) mission is to raise enough money for the project.  4.With j　　　　　 efforts,our project turned out to be a huge success.  5.Understanding the basic concepts will make solving difficult problems a lot easier and more s　　　　　.  Ⅱ.单句语法填空 1.Susan majored 　　　　　　biotechnology as an undergraduate and later completed a master’s degree in fishing science.  2.These technologies will play 　　　　　　vital role in reducing some of the damage caused by traditional farming practices.  3.Scientists think those hidden forms of matter and energy make 　　　　　　　95 percent of the universe.  4.　　　　　　(locate) on the ancient Silk Road,Mogao created an environment of artistic and cultural exchange between different cultures.  5.Fan Jinshi also highly values nurturing and growing talent,laying a solid 　　　　　　(found) for the scientific development of Dunhuang grottoes cultural relics.  6.When Mr Smith retired from 　　　　　　(politics) life in June 1999,he dedicated himself to helping those in need.  7.My little sister always gets excited when we enter the 　　　　　　(baker),eyeing the chocolate-covered donuts.  8.The Eiffel Tower,one of the world’s most famous sights,has been an 　　　　　　(icon) part of Paris skyline for 136 years.  Ⅲ.单句写作 1.火星只有地球的大约一半大,因为表面是红色的,它经常被称为红色星球。 Mars is about half as big as Earth and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　the Red Planet because of its red surface.  2.在博物馆里,我们为技术的神奇而惊叹,迫不及待地尝试了一下。 In the museum,we were amazed at the magic of technology and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　.  3.我们有如此多解决方案等待执行;确实到了把它们付诸实践的时候了。 We have so many solutions just waiting to be carried out;　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　.  4.据说大笑是良药,这就是为什么幽默甚至可以使最紧张的情况看起来很轻松。 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 laughter is the best medicine,and that is why humor can make even the most stressful situations seem lighter.  5.在旅行中,没有什么比探索古老的寺庙更能让人感受到历史的厚重了。 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 ancient temples during a journey to feel the weight of history.  Ⅳ.阅读微写作 请再读“EXPERIENCING THE ICONIC FEATURES OF AUSTRALIA”,注意文中的单词、短语和句型,并完成下列练习。 Activity 1　单句写作 1.澳大利亚位于赤道以南,经常被非正式地称为“down under”。(located;equator;be referred to as) Australia 　　　　　　　　　　　　　,and 　　　　　　　　　　　　　“down under”.  2.考拉是澳大利亚最有标志性的动物之一,因其可爱的外表而受到全世界人们的喜爱。(iconic) The koala is 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　,loved for its cure appearance by the world.  3.大堡礁,另一处标志性的地点,是世界上最大的珊瑚礁系统。(iconic) The Great Barrier Reef,　　　　　　　　　　　,is the world’s largest coral reef system.  4.澳大利亚主要的城市,如悉尼和墨尔本,每年吸引着数百万的游客。(premier) 　　　　　　　　　　　,like Sydney and Melbourne,attract millions of tourists every year. 5.澳大利亚人以其直率和友好的态度而著称。(straightforward) Australians are known for 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　.  6.他们通过共同的努力已经把他们的国家建成了一个美丽而繁荣的地方。(joint) They have built their country into a beautiful and prosperous place 　　　　　　　　　　　　.  7.拥有令人惊叹的风景和独特的野生动植物,澳大利亚依旧是一个梦想的目的地。(with介词短语) 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　,Australia remains a dream destination.  8.世界上许多人都同意这个旅游口号:“澳大利亚,尽是不同。”(slogan;there be nothing like...) Many people in the world agree with 　　　　　　　　　　　　:“　　　　　　　　　　　　　　.”  Activity 2　选取上面至少4个句子组成一篇不少于80词的短文(注意使用恰当的衔接词) 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 二、能力素养提升练 Ⅴ.阅读理解 A (2025辽宁高二期末) Wolves in Ethiopia that lick the flowers of the “red-hot poker” flowers are the first known large carnivores(食肉动物) to eat nectar(花蜜). In the new study,published on Nov.19 in the journal Ecology,the researchers followed six Ethiopian wolves from three different packs over four days.While most of the wolves visited only a handful of flowers,one visited 20 and another visited 30 in a single visit. When they visited a red-hot poker plant,the wolves usually licked the mature lowermost flowers,which contained the most nectar.In doing so,their noses and mouths became coated with pollen(花粉).This could mean the wolves can spread that pollen to other flowers,the researchers wrote in the study. However,it’s not yet clear whether the wolves are effective pollinators(传花粉者).Nectar isn’t a significant part of their diet,so more research is needed to determine how often the wolves visit the flowers.And there isn’t evidence yet that a wolf could transfer enough pollen to another flower to pollinate it effectively. “I first became aware of the nectar of the Ethiopian red-hot poker when I saw some children in the Bale Mountains licking the flowers,” study co-author Claudio Sillero,a conservation biologist at the University of Oxford,said in the statement.“In no time,I had a taste of it myself—the nectar was pleasantly sweet.When I later saw the wolves doing the same,I knew they were enjoying themselves,tapping into this unusual source of energy.” Future research will involve determining the role of nectar in the wolves’ diet and working out whether the wolves really do act as pollinators,the researchers wrote in the study. 1.What did the new research find? A.Wolves in Ethiopia had a bit of a sweet tooth. B.Wolves in Ethiopia were endangered animals. C.Wolves in Ethiopia acted as effective pollinators. D.Wolves in Ethiopia fed on the “red-hot poker” flowers. 2.How did researchers prove their study? A.By analyzing questionnaires. B.By concluding previous studies. C.By interviewing participants in the study. D.By recording statistics of the subjects. 3.What can we learn from Claudio Sillero’s words? A.Wolves are enjoying this usual source of energy. B.He didn’t have time to lick the flowers on his own. C.Most flowers produce nectar to attract large animals. D.He initially knew this nectar by seeing children’s behavior. 4.What is the writer’s attitude towards wolves acting as effective pollinators? A.Doubtful.　　 B.Dismissive. C.Favorable. D.Intolerant. B (2025广东高二期中) Native to southwest China,pandas are famous for their love of bamboo,spending up to 16 hours a day consuming this fast-growing plant.Pandas have puzzled biologists for decades with their bamboo-only diet.Despite having digestive systems typical of meat-consuming animals,pandas have adapted to a diet that is almost entirely plant-based. A recent study published in the journal Frontiers by researchers from China West Normal University demonstrates how this is possible.The study reveals that bamboo contains microRNA (miRNA),a genetic material that pandas absorb into their bloodstream.This miRNA plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression,influencing pandas’ growth,behavior and immune(免疫) responses. Dr.Li Feng,a senior author of the study,explains in a statement that miRNA also affects pandas’ sense of smell,taste,and dopamine(多巴胺) pathways,all of which are closely linked to their feeding habits.The researchers believe that by the time a baby panda grows up,it will develop the ability to pick the freshest and most nutritious bamboo,which enables it to adapt to a plant-based diet.The research team analyzed blood samples from six pandas,identifying 57 kinds of miRNAs likely coming from bamboo.These findings suggest that miRNA is key to pandas’ adaptation to their unique diet. The study also highlights the potential broader implications of this discovery.By understanding how plant miRNA affects animals,scientists may be able to develop new treatments or preventive measures for diseases.The panda’s diet consists almost entirely of bamboo leaves,stems and shoots.And only about 1% of their food comes from other plants,according to the World Wildlife Fund(WWF).This research not only deepens our understanding of pandas but also opens new ways for exploring the interactions between plant and animal biology. 5.What aspect of pandas does the research focus on? A.Physical growth. B.Social behavior. C.Hunting strategies. D.Genetic adaptation. 6.How do pandas adapt to their plant-based diet over time? A.By learning to select bamboo. B.By increasing their consumption. C.By reducing their reliance on plants. D.By developing stronger digestive systems. 7.What may be the positive impact of the finding in the future? A.Increasing the panda population. B.Developing new medical treatments. C.Changing pandas’ digestive systems. D.Improving bamboo planting techniques. 8.What is the author’s attitude towards the outcome of the study? A.Curious. B.Critical. C.Optimistic. D.Doubtful. C (2025河南周口高二期中) In the United States,perhaps no insect has been counted as often as the butterfly.“There’s a lot of passion for them,and they’re very amazing,” says Collin Edwards,an ecologist at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.That enthusiasm has led volunteers to spend countless hours monitoring butterfly populations over the years. “Thanks to their efforts,we have one of the world’s best insect datasets,” Edwards adds.However,this data came from various separate programs,each slightly different in approach.To get a single,country-wide look at the state of these insects,Edwards and a team of more than 30 butterfly researchers brought together and analyzed all these efforts—a total of 12.6 million butterfly sightings.Their findings are alarming. Since 2000,butterfly numbers in the US have dropped by an average of 22%,according to a study published in Science.Declines have been recorded across the country and among a wide range of species.“Averages can sometimes be deceptive,if big drops in a handful of species bring the overall average down.But that wasn’t the case for this analysis,” says David Wagner,a biologist at the University of Connecticut.“The median species declined by more than 40%.That was where it really hit me that this is really big.” Only 3% of the 554 species examined showed growth,mainly those that adapt well to human environments.More concerning is that the median species declined by over 40%,indicating a broad and serious trend. Huge change of natural land,for agriculture or other kinds of development,has decreased the natural habitats butterflies need to live in.Pesticides(杀虫剂) used in farming are directly harming many species,especially in the Midwest.And climate change is pushing creatures out of their comfort zones. Addressing this crisis will take national or international action.While lots of policies are needed to address climate change and regulate pesticides,individuals can also help.“We can’t stop climate change alone,but we can combat habitat loss,” says Edwards.“Planting flowers that can provide food and shelter for butterflies helps them survive despite environmental challenges.” 9.Why do volunteers track butterfly populations? A.They hope to feed amazing butterflies. B.They have a strong interest in the species. C.They want to confirm some findings about the species. D.They have seldom counted butterfly populations before. 10.What does the underlined word “deceptive” in paragraph 3 mean? A.Misleading. B.Estimated. C.Threatening. D.Comparable. 11.What does paragraph 5 mainly talk about? A.The reasons why pesticides are harmful to butterflies. B.A latest trend in agricultural development. C.The noticeable changes in butterfly species. D.Factors driving declines in butterfly populations. 12.What does Edwards intend to say regarding saving butterflies? A.Planting flowers can avoid habitat loss. B.Individuals play a minor part in it. C.International cooperation is essential. D.Small efforts can make a difference. Ⅵ.七选五 (2025吉林松原高二期中) Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth.　1　.This means that they are bigger than the dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago.Blue whales weigh as much as 33 elephants(200 tons) and can be up to 100 feet long.A baby blue whale is called a calf.A blue whale calf drinks over 100 gallons of milk every day.  　2　.Because blue whales are so big they need to eat lots of krill.They eat about four tons of krill a day.That is like eating 32,000 hamburgers a day.Blue whales spend their summers in polar waters eating large amounts of krill.Then they migrate thousands of miles to tropical and subtropical waters to spend the winter.  Blue whales live alone or in pairs.They are not like other types of whales that live in groups known as pods.Blue whales make a variety of sounds underwater.Scientists believe they make these sounds to communicate with each other.They also believe some of these sounds act like sonar(声呐).　3　,some of which can be heard for hundreds of miles underwater.  The primary threat to blue whales is from humans in their ocean environment.Ships sometimes strike whales and injure them.Ships also produce ocean noise that makes it hard for whales to communicate.　4　.They sometimes become tangled(缠结) and trapped in fishing nets.  Blue whales are an endangered species.Endangered species are animals that are in danger of disappearing forever.Only 10,000 to 25,000 blue whales remain in the world’s oceans.　5　.  A.They are otherwise the most fierce animals on the planet B.The sounds help the whales map their ocean environment C.They are also the largest animals known to have ever existed D.Blue whales eat mostly small shrimplike creatures called krill E.Ocean pollution and fishing are other dangers facing blue whales F.Thus we must carefully manage their population to maintain balance G.It is vital to protect blue whales for their key role in the ocean ecosystems 知识积累卡 一、重点单词 1.transfer vi.& vt.　　　　　　　  2.prevent vt.　　　　　　　　→prevention n.　　　　　　　　→preventive adj.　　　　　　　　　　　　  3.enthusiasm n.　　　　　　　　　→enthusiastic adj.　　　　　　　　　　　　→enthusiastically adv.　　　　　　　　　　　　  二、熟词生义 coat　本文义:vt.　　　　　　　　　　　  其他义:n.　　　　　　　  三、词块速记 1.in no time 　　　　　　　  2.play a crucial role in 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　  3.consist of 　　　　　　　  4.as much as 　　　　  四、长难句分析 1.Future research will involve determining the role of nectar in the wolves’ diet and working out whether the wolves really do act as pollinators,the researchers wrote in the study. 分析:本句是一个　　　　　　。　　　　　　　　　　　是主语,　　　　　是谓语,future research...pollinators是宾语从句。从句中future research是主语,will involve是谓语,determining...and working out...是宾语。whether引导　　　　　　　　。  句意:   2.Dr.Li Feng,a senior author of the study,explains in a statement that miRNA also affects pandas’ sense of smell,taste,and dopamine pathways,all of which are closely linked to their feeding habits. 分析:本句是一个复合句。Dr.Li Feng是主语,explains是谓语,that引导　　　　　　　　。a senior author of the study是Dr.Li Feng的　　　　　　;all of which...是　　　　　　　　　　　　,补充说明先行词pandas’ sense of smell,taste,and dopamine pathways。  句意:  　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 参考答案 Ⅰ.1.equator　2.barbecue　3.premier　4.joint　5.straightforward Ⅱ.1.in　2.a　3.up　4.Located　5.foundation　6.political 7.bakery　8.iconic Ⅲ.1.is often referred to as　2.couldn’t wait to give it a try 3.it’s high time that we put them into practice　4.It is said that 5.There is nothing like exploring Ⅳ.Activity 1 1.is located to the south of the equator;is often informally referred to as　2.one of Australia’s most iconic animals　3.another iconic landmark　4.Australia’s premier cities　5.their straightforward and friendly attitude　6.through joint efforts　7.With stunning landscapes and unique wildlife　8.the tourism slogan;There is nothing like Australia Activity 2 One possible version: Australia is located to the south of the equator,and is often informally referred to as “down under”.It’s home to a wide variety of plants and animals.The koala is one of Australia’s most iconic animals,loved for its cure appearance by the world.The Great Barrier Reef,another iconic landmark,is the world’s largest coral reef system.Australia’s premier cities,like Sydney and Melbourne,attract millions of tourists every year.Australians are known for their straightforward and friendly attitude.They have built their country into a beautiful and prosperous place through their joint efforts.With stunning landscapes and unique wildlife,Australia remains a dream destination.Many people in the world agree with the tourism slogan:“There is nothing like Australia.” Ⅴ.【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了研究者首次发现埃塞俄比亚狼舔着“火炬花”的花朵,这是已知的第一种吃花蜜的大型食肉动物。 1.A　细节理解题。根据第一段“Wolves in Ethiopia that lick the flowers of the ‘red-hot poker’ flowers are the first known large carnivores to eat nectar.”以及第五段中的“In no time,I had a taste of it myself—the nectar was pleasantly sweet.When I later saw the wolves doing the same,I knew they were enjoying themselves,tapping into this unusual source of energy.”可知,埃塞俄比亚狼舔舐花朵,证明它们爱吃甜花蜜。have a sweet tooth意为“爱吃甜食”。故选A项。 2.D　细节理解题。根据第二段“In the new study,published on Nov.19 in the journal Ecology,the researchers followed six Ethiopian wolves from three different packs over four days.While most of the wolves visited only a handful of flowers,one visited 20 and another visited 30 in a single visit.”可知,研究人员是通过跟踪记录实验对象的数据来证明埃塞俄比亚狼吃花蜜的。故选D项。 3.D　推理判断题。根据第五段中的“I first became aware of the nectar of the Ethiopian red-hot poker when I saw some children in the Bale Mountains licking the flowers”可知,Claudio Sillero是看到孩子们舔花朵而了解到“火炬花”花蜜的。故选D项。 4.A　推理判断题。根据第四段“However,it’s not yet clear whether the wolves are effective pollinators.Nectar isn’t a significant part of their diet,so more research is needed to determine how often the wolves visit the flowers.And there isn’t evidence yet that a wolf could transfer enough pollen to another flower to pollinate it effectively.”以及最后一段中“Future research will involve determining the role of nectar in the wolves’ diet and working out whether the wolves really do act as pollinators” 可知,作者对于狼是有效的花粉传播者持怀疑的态度。故选A项。 【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了中国科学家关于大熊猫食竹习性的最新研究发现。 5.D　细节理解题。根据文章大意可知,文章主要讲述了中国的研究人员发表在《前沿》杂志上的一项研究,揭示了尽管熊猫有典型的肉食动物消化系统,却能适应几乎全植物性饮食的原因,即竹子中的微小核糖核酸(miRNA)被熊猫吸收进血液,在调节基因表达方面起着关键作用,影响着熊猫的生长、行为和免疫反应等,这属于基因适应方面的内容。故选D项。 6.A　细节理解题。根据第三段中的“The researchers believe that by the time a baby panda grows up,it will develop the ability to pick the freshest and most nutritious bamboo,which enables it to adapt to a plant-based diet.”可知,研究人员认为当熊猫宝宝长大后,它将发展出挑选最新鲜、最有营养的竹子的能力,这使它能够适应植物性饮食。故选A项。 7.B　细节理解题。根据最后一段中的“By understanding how plant miRNA affects animals,scientists may be able to develop new treatments or preventive measures for diseases.”可知,通过了解植物微小核糖核酸(miRNA)如何影响动物,科学家可能能够开发出治疗或预防疾病的新方法。故选B项。 8.C　推理判断题。根据最后一段中的“This research not only deepens our understanding of pandas but also opens new ways for exploring the interactions between plant and animal biology.”可知,作者认为这项研究不仅加深了我们对熊猫的理解,还为探索植物和动物生物学之间的相互作用开辟了新途径,同时提到了在疾病治疗方面的潜在意义,由此可推断作者对这项研究的结果持乐观态度。故选C项。 【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了美国蝴蝶数量下降的现状、原因以及拯救蝴蝶的措施。文章通过数据和专家观点,揭示了蝴蝶数量下降的严重性,并强调了个人在保护蝴蝶栖息地方面可以发挥的作用。 9.B　细节理解题。根据第一段中的“‘There’s a lot of passion for them,and they’re very amazing,’ says Collin Edwards,an ecologist at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.That enthusiasm has led volunteers to spend countless hours monitoring butterfly populations over the years.”可知,志愿者们跟踪蝴蝶数量是因为他们对这个物种有浓厚的兴趣。故选B项。 10.A　词句猜测题。根据画线词后的“if big drops in a handful of species bring the overall average down.But that wasn’t the case for this analysis”可知,此处假设的情况与实际情况不符,即如果仅凭少数物种数量大幅下降就判断整体情况,可能会得出错误的结论,即“误导性的”结论。因此,画线词“deceptive”意为“误导性的”。故选A项。 11.D　主旨大意题。根据第五段“Huge change of natural land,for agriculture or other kinds of development,has decreased the natural habitats butterflies need to live in.Pesticides used in farming are directly harming many species,especially in the Midwest.And climate change is pushing creatures out of their comfort zones.”可知,本段主要讲述了导致蝴蝶数量下降的因素,包括自然土地的变化、杀虫剂的使用和气候变化等。故选D项。 12.D　推理判断题。根据最后一段中“While lots of policies are needed to address climate change and regulate pesticides,individuals can also help.‘We can’t stop climate change alone,but we can combat habitat loss,’ says Edwards.‘Planting flowers that can provide food and shelter for butterflies helps them survive despite environmental challenges.’”可知,Edwards认为个人在拯救蝴蝶方面也可以发挥作用,比如种植能为蝴蝶提供食物和庇护所的花朵,这表明他相信个人的小努力也能产生大影响。故选D项。 Ⅵ.【语篇导读】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了蓝鲸的体型、食物、生活习性、面临的威胁以及保护蓝鲸的重要性,强调了蓝鲸作为地球上最大的动物的特点和生存现状。 1.C　根据上文“Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth.”可知,上文说明蓝鲸的体型大,本空应进一步强调蓝鲸体型之大。C选项“They are also the largest animals known to have ever existed”是对上文的进一步说明,强调了蓝鲸是有史以来已知的最大动物,符合题意。故选C项。 2.D　根据下文“Because blue whales are so big they need to eat lots of krill.”可知,下文说明蓝鲸的食物,本空应介绍与蓝鲸的食物相关的内容。D选项“Blue whales eat mostly small shrimplike creatures called krill”引出了下文蓝鲸的食物的话题,符合题意。故选D项。 3.B　根据上文“Scientists believe they make these sounds to communicate with each other.They also believe some of these sounds act like sonar.”可知,上文介绍蓝鲸的声音,本空应进一步说明这些声音的作用。B选项“The sounds help the whales map their ocean environment”是对上文声音的作用的进一步说明,符合题意。故选B项。 4.E　根据上文“Ships sometimes strike whales and injure them.Ships also produce ocean noise that makes it hard for whales to communicate.”及下文“They sometimes become tangled and trapped in fishing nets.”可知,上下文介绍蓝鲸可能面临的危险,本空应介绍蓝鲸面临的其他危险。E选项“Ocean pollution and fishing are other dangers facing blue whales”承上启下,既总结了上文船只对蓝鲸的威胁,又引出了下文蓝鲸被渔网缠住的危险,符合题意。故选E项。 5.G　由上文“Blue whales are an endangered species.Endangered species are animals that are in danger of disappearing forever.Only 10,000 to 25,000 blue whales remain in the world’s oceans.”可知,蓝鲸是濒危物种,本空应提出保护蓝鲸的措施或重要性。G选项“It is vital to protect blue whales for their key role in the ocean ecosystems”强调了保护蓝鲸的重要性,符合题意。故选G项。 知识积累卡 一、1.转移　2.阻止;阻挡　防止;预防　预防的;防备的　3.热情;热忱　热情的;热心的　热情地;热心地 二、覆盖……表面;在……上涂　外套;大衣 三、1.马上,立即　2.在……中发挥着至关重要的作用 3.由……组成　4.多达 四、1.复合句　the researchers　wrote　宾语从句 研究人员在研究报告中写道,未来的研究将涉及确定花蜜在狼的饮食中的作用,并研究狼是否真的充当传粉者。 2.宾语从句　同位语　非限制性定语从句 该研究的资深作者李峰博士在一份声明中解释说,miRNA还会影响熊猫的嗅觉、味觉和多巴胺通路,所有这些都与它们的进食习惯密切相关。 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $