Unit 5 Revealing Nature 单元测验卷-2025-2026学年高中英语外研版选择性必修第一册

第一部分：阅读理解 (共两篇，每题2.5分，共15分)

A

When Charles Darwin set sail on the HMS Beagle in 1831, he was a young man with a passion for geology and natural history. He had no idea that the specimens he collected and the observations he made would shake the foundations of science forever.

During the voyage, Darwin was particularly struck by the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. He noticed that the finches (雀类) on different islands varied slightly in beak (喙) shape and size. Some had strong, thick beaks for cracking nuts, while others had long, thin beaks ideal for catching insects. Darwin initially thought these were different species. It was only later, back in England, that he realized they were all related to a single species from the South American mainland. He hypothesized that these finches had evolved over time, adapting to the different food sources available on each island.

This insight, known as natural selection, was a slow and painful birth. Darwin spent over 20 years collecting more evidence, afraid of the controversy his theory would cause. In 1859, he finally published On the Origin of Species. The book not only revolutionized biology but also changed humanity’s understanding of its place in the natural world. Today, Darwin’s theory remains the cornerstone of modern biology.

1.What did Darwin notice about the finches on the Galápagos Islands?

A. They were exactly the same as those on the mainland.

B. They had different beak shapes based on their diet.

C. They refused to eat nuts or insects.

D. They did not interact with each other.

2.Why did Darwin delay publishing his theory for over 20 years?

A. He did not think the evidence was sufficient.

B. He was too busy with other scientific work.

C. He was worried about public disagreement.

D. He wanted to return to the islands first.

3.Which of the following best describes the author’s attitude towards Darwin’s theory?

A. Doubtful

B. Critical

C. Admiring

D. Uninterested

 

B

Nature is a master of disguise. Many animals use camouflage not just to hide from predators, but also to surprise prey. However, scientists have recently revealed a new layer of complexity: some animals are evolving to hide from humans specifically.

Researchers studying cliff swallows (崖燕) in Nebraska made a fascinating discovery. These birds build nests on highways and bridges. Over the past 30 years, the birds that were hit by cars tended to have longer wings. Why? Because longer wings make it harder for birds to take off quickly vertically (垂直地). As a result, the population of cliff swallows has evolved to have shorter wings, allowing them to dodge (躲闪) oncoming traffic more effectively.

This is a classic case of “unnatural selection.” Instead of natural predators shaping the species, human infrastructure is driving evolution at an unprecedented speed. “We are changing

the environment so dramatically that we are actually directing the evolution of species living around us,” said one biologist. While this shows the incredible adaptability of nature, it also serves as a stark reminder of the impact human activity has on wildlife.

4. What is the main purpose of the passage?

A. To explain how birds build nests.

B. To introduce a new type of natural selection caused by humans.

C. To compare different kinds of swallow species.

D. To argue that humans should not build highways.

5.What happened to the cliff swallows in Nebraska over 30 years?

A. They have stopped building nests on bridges.

B. They have developed longer wings.

C. Their wings have become shorter on average.

D. They have lost the ability to fly.

6. The phrase “unnatural selection” in paragraph 3 refers to the idea that ______.

A. the selection is not driven by traditional natural forces

B. the birds are not adapting well to the environment

C. humans are trying to protect the birds

D. nature is becoming less important

第二部分：语言知识运用 (共两节，满分38分)

第一节：完形填空 (共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分)

阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。

In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, scientists are constantly revealing new species. Recently, a team of researchers discovered a new type of bee that does something  7  . Unlike normal bees that collect pollen (花粉) from flowers, this bee was found collecting plastic waste left by humans.

The bee, which has been named Eulaema plasticula, uses the soft plastic fibers to build its nest. “We  8  the bee carrying pieces of plastic bags back to its home,” said Dr. Maria Santos, the lead biologist. “At first, we thought it was a  9  . But after weeks of observation, we confirmed it was a widespread  10  .”

This discovery  11  both hope and concern. On one hand, it shows nature’s incredible ability to  12  to human changes. On the other hand, it highlights the severity of plastic  13  in even the most remote areas. The plastic used by the bees may contain chemicals that could be harmful to their  14  in the long term.

“Nature is trying to find a way to  15  with our waste,” Dr. Santos explained. “But we don’t yet know the long-term  16  of this adaptation.” She added that this  17  might seem encouraging, but it also serves as a warning. “We are changing the environment so fast that some species have no  18  but to adapt in unusual ways.”

The team plans to  19  the bees’ health over the next five years to see if this new behavior affects their lifespan or reproduction. “If the plastic  20  harmful substances into their bodies, it could cause serious problems,” Dr. Santos said. This study is a vivid example of how human activity is  21  the natural world in unexpected ways.

 

7. A. ordinary    B. unusual    C. boring    D. traditional

8. A. observed    B. heard     C. prevented    D. imagined

9. A. trick        B. disaster   C. mistake      D. coincidence

10. A. behavior    B. disaster   C. disease      D. attack

11. A. brings up    B. brings in   C. brings about   D. brings back

12. A. adapt       B. add        C. lead        D. prefer

13. A. production   B. pollution     C. reduction    D. collection

14. A. health       B. habitat      C. food        D. safety

15. A. compete     B. fight         C. cope      D . agree

16. A. causes      B. consequences    C. reasons     D. benefits

17. A. adaptation    B. discovery      C. invention    D. decision

18. A. choice      B. time          C. chance       D. energy

19. A. monitor     B. ignore         C. capture       D. train

20. A. releases     B. collects        C. absorbs       D. prevents

21. A. protecting     B. shaping     C. destroying     D. following

第二节：语法填空 (共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分)

阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Charles Darwin is often regarded as the father of evolution. His theory, 22. ________ (base) on years of careful observation, challenged the religious beliefs of his time. 23. ________ (walk) in the woods, he often collected specimens 24. ________ would later become crucial evidence. One of the key elements in his research was the concept of “natural selection”, 25. ________ (explain) how species evolve over time.

Darwin’s journey on the HMS Beagle was 26. ________ turning point in his life. During the voyage, he encountered various species that seemed uniquely adapted to their environments. It was not until he returned to England 27. ________ he fully understood the significance of his findings. Today, 28________ (inspire) by Darwin’s methods, many young scientists go into the wild to study nature firsthand. 29. ________ remains important is the spirit of curiosity. 30. ________ (equip) with modern technology, researchers can now reveal nature’s secrets31. ________ (fast) than ever before.