TF阅读真题第956篇Archaeoptertx and Flight

 

Archaeoptertx and Flight

题目：

It is not known whether Archaeopteryx, the earliest birdlike creature for which fossils have been found, could fly-but it probably did, at least for short distances. We can make reasoned guesses about how it might have done so, but there is no conclusive evidence about flying in Archaeopteryx because while fossils can tell us about an animal’s physiology, they cannot tell us about an animal’s behavior. First, we should look at the methods that animals other than birds use to become airborne. Even though birds have the most astounding abilities of flight, they are not the only creatures to take to the air. Some existing species of frogs, snakes, lizards, and mammals launch themselves from a height and glide for considerable distances in the air. They do so by using skin flaps on the sides of their bodies or by extending broad, sail-like limbs. The gliders of Australia are typical examples of this kind of flight. Some of the ancient reptiles living in the late Triassic period more than 200 million years ago used this method of flying. A fossil record of a flying reptile (a saurian) called Protoaxis texensis has been dated to that time. That species could represent one of the first steps toward the evolution of birds, but many ancient reptiles had flaps of skin or long scalelike structures that they could have used for gliding or even more sustained flying.  

Archaeopteryx could have used its feathers to aid gliding after climbing up a high tree, using its finger claws, and then launching itself into the air. This is known as the trees- down hypothesis. Alternatively, it could have used its wings to obtain liftoff after running fast on the ground with its wings flapping. This is known as the ground-up, or cursorial, hypothesis. Archaeopteryx might, for example, have used running and flapping flight to catch insects. This hypothesis links wing use to feeding and takes into account the fact that Archaeopteryx had teeth and fed on meat, either exclusively or among other things. It might have used its feathers simply to provide air resistance (drag) when pouncing on prey. Pouncing might then have turned into swooping as feathers and flight muscles provided better liftoff. Evolving to be smaller in size would have been another factor essential for becoming airborne, but that occurred after the time of Archaeopteryx. In fact, it seems that Archaeopteryx was unable to become fully airborne after running and flapping flight because, given its construction, to provide sufficient energy for takeoff it would have needed to run much faster than possible.

Another suggestion, no longer popular, is that Archaeopteryx used its winged forelimbs rather like fans to trap insects as it ran along the ground. Later, wings evolved and were used in flying. This hypothesis is similar to the idea that feathers first evolved for insulation, in the sense that feathers are said to have first appeared for purposes other than flying. Another alternative is that feathers first evolved for performing the visual displays used in social communication and were only later used for flying. Modern birds use their feathers to communicate, with often spectacular visual displays. It is possible that the first feathered creatures (ancient birds and theropod dinosaurs) used their feathers in similar ways to communicate with other members of their species. Evidence that dinosaurs formed groups supports the idea that they may have communicated using vocalizations or visual displays.  

None of these hypotheses about the first uses of feathers can help us to decide whether Archaeopteryx was a ground-up or a trees-down flier. It is a matter of putting the many pieces of evidence together and coming up with the most plausible hypothesis, but there is no overwhelming evidence to determine whether Archaeopteryx glided down from above or flapped its way up from a running start on the ground. We can say, however, that only the trees-down hypothesis finds a good use for its hooked finger claws-used to climb up trees. Claws could, of course, be used in a number of different ways-some other ancient birds too large to fly had claws, which they must have used for purposes other than climbing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

It is not known whether Archaeopteryx, the earliest birdlike creature for which fossils have been found, could fly-but it probably did, at least for short distances. We can make reasoned guesses about how it might have done so, but there is no conclusive evidence about flying in Archaeopteryx because while fossils can tell us about an animal’s physiology, they cannot tell us about an animal’s behavior. First, we should look at the methods that animals other than birds use to become airborne. Even though birds have the most astounding abilities of flight, they are not the only creatures to take to the air. Some existing species of frogs, snakes, lizards, and mammals launch themselves from a height and glide for considerable distances in the air. They do so by using skin flaps on the sides of their bodies or by extending broad, sail-like limbs. The gliders of Australia are typical examples of this kind of flight. Some of the ancient reptiles living in the late Triassic period more than 200 million years ago used this method of flying. A fossil record of a flying reptile (a saurian) called Protoaxis texensis has been dated to that time. That species could represent one of the first steps toward the evolution of birds, but many ancient reptiles had flaps of skin or long scalelike structures that they could have used for gliding or even more sustained flying.  

The phrase “more sustained” in the passage is closest in meaning to

 

Vocabulary Questions词汇题

 

Afaster

Bhigher

Cbetter balanced

Dlonger lasting

2

It is not known whether Archaeopteryx, the earliest birdlike creature for which fossils have been found, could fly-but it probably did, at least for short distances. We can make reasoned guesses about how it might have done so, but there is no conclusive evidence about flying in Archaeopteryx because while fossils can tell us about an animal’s physiology, they cannot tell us about an animal’s behavior. First, we should look at the methods that animals other than birds use to become airborne. Even though birds have the most astounding abilities of flight, they are not the only creatures to take to the air. Some existing species of frogs, snakes, lizards, and mammals launch themselves from a height and glide for considerable distances in the air. They do so by using skin flaps on the sides of their bodies or by extending broad, sail-like limbs. The gliders of Australia are typical examples of this kind of flight. Some of the ancient reptiles living in the late Triassic period more than 200 million years ago used this method of flying. A fossil record of a flying reptile (a saurian) called Protoaxis texensis has been dated to that time. That species could represent one of the first steps toward the evolution of birds, but many ancient reptiles had flaps of skin or long scalelike structures that they could have used for gliding or even more sustained flying.  

According to paragraph 1, why have scientists looked for clues to Archaeopteryx flight by studying how other animals fly?

 

Factual Information Questions事实信息题

 

AComplete Archaeopteryx fossils have not been found

BThey discovered the remains of late Triassic reptiles that seemed to fly.

CArchaeopteryx activity cannot be determined from its remains.

DArchaeopteryx fossils are not detailed enough to make important aspects of its physiology clear.

3

Archaeopteryx could have used its feathers to aid gliding after climbing up a high tree, using its finger claws, and then launching itself into the air. This is known as the trees- down hypothesis. Alternatively, it could have used its wings to obtain liftoff after running fast on the ground with its wings flapping. This is known as the ground-up, or cursorial, hypothesis. Archaeopteryx might, for example, have used running and flapping flight to catch insects. This hypothesis links wing use to feeding and takes into account the fact that Archaeopteryx had teeth and fed on meat, either exclusively or among other things. It might have used its feathers simply to provide air resistance (drag) when pouncing on prey. Pouncing might then have turned into swooping as feathers and flight muscles provided better liftoff. Evolving to be smaller in size would have been another factor essential for becoming airborne, but that occurred after the time of Archaeopteryx. In fact, it seems that Archaeopteryx was unable to become fully airborne after running and flapping flight because, given its construction, to provide sufficient energy for takeoff it would have needed to run much faster than possible.

According to the trees-down hypothesis described in paragraph 2, which of the following was true of Archaeopteryx flight?

 

Factual Information Questions事实信息题

 

AArchaeopteryx launched itself in the air in order to begin its climb up a tree

BArchaeopteryx used its feathers to help it climb up trees.

CArchaeopteryx used its feathers to continue travel through the air.

DArchaeopteryx used its finger claws to aid gliding

4

Archaeopteryx could have used its feathers to aid gliding after climbing up a high tree, using its finger claws, and then launching itself into the air. This is known as the trees- down hypothesis. Alternatively, it could have used its wings to obtain liftoff after running fast on the ground with its wings flapping. This is known as the ground-up, or cursorial, hypothesis. Archaeopteryx might, for example, have used running and flapping flight to catch insects. This hypothesis links wing use to feeding and takes into account the fact that Archaeopteryx had teeth and fed on meat, either exclusively or among other things. It might have used its feathers simply to provide air resistance (drag) when pouncing on prey. Pouncing might then have turned into swooping as feathers and flight muscles provided better liftoff. Evolving to be smaller in size would have been another factor essential for becoming airborne, but that occurred after the time of Archaeopteryx. In fact, it seems that Archaeopteryx was unable to become fully airborne after running and flapping flight because, given its construction, to provide sufficient energy for takeoff it would have needed to run much faster than possible.

According to paragraph 2, why is the ground-up hypothesis unlikely in the case of the Archaeopteryx?

 

Factual Information Questions事实信息题

 

AIt did not have a sufficient number of feathers to sustain itself in the air.

BIt could not have run fast enough to take off into the air.

CIts meat-eating teeth suggest that its early flight was linked to hunting in trees.

DIt was too small to provide the liftoff essential for flight.

5

Another suggestion, no longer popular, is that Archaeopteryx used its winged forelimbs rather like fans to trap insects as it ran along the ground. Later, wings evolved and were used in flying. This hypothesis is similar to the idea that feathers first evolved for insulation, in the sense that feathers are said to have first appeared for purposes other than flying. Another alternative is that feathers first evolved for performing the visual displays used in social communication and were only later used for flying. Modern birds use their feathers to communicate, with often spectacular visual displays. It is possible that the first feathered creatures (ancient birds and theropod dinosaurs) used their feathers in similar ways to communicate with other members of their species. Evidence that dinosaurs formed groups supports the idea that they may have communicated using vocalizations or visual displays.  

Why does the author provide the information in paragraph 3 that modern birds use their feathers to communicate?

 

Factual Information Questions事实信息题

 

ATo illustrate how flight has led birds to other types of behavior

BTo support one possibility for an early use of Archaeopteryx feathers

CTo contrast the use of feathers by modern and ancient species

DTo show the extent of social behavior in various species

6

Another suggestion, no longer popular, is that Archaeopteryx used its winged forelimbs rather like fans to trap insects as it ran along the ground. Later, wings evolved and were used in flying. This hypothesis is similar to the idea that feathers first evolved for insulation, in the sense that feathers are said to have first appeared for purposes other than flying. Another alternative is that feathers first evolved for performing the visual displays used in social communication and were only later used for flying. Modern birds use their feathers to communicate, with often spectacular visual displays. It is possible that the first feathered creatures (ancient birds and theropod dinosaurs) used their feathers in similar ways to communicate with other members of their species. Evidence that dinosaurs formed groups supports the idea that they may have communicated using vocalizations or visual displays.  

Which of the following statements is supported by both hypotheses discussed in paragraph 3 ?

 

Factual Information Questions事实信息题

 

AArchaeopteryx flight evolved as a way to capture prey more easily.

BThe physical characteristics necessary for flight originally evolved for other uses.

CThe original purposes for Archaeopteryx flight are no longer used by modern species.

DThe early methods of flight were unsuccessful for long periods of time.

7

None of these hypotheses about the first uses of feathers can help us to decide whether Archaeopteryx was a ground-up or a trees-down flier. It is a matter of putting the many pieces of evidence together and coming up with the most plausible hypothesis, but there is no overwhelming evidence to determine whether Archaeopteryx glided down from above or flapped its way up from a running start on the ground. We can say, however, that only the trees-down hypothesis finds a good use for its hooked finger claws-used to climb up trees. Claws could, of course, be used in a number of different ways-some other ancient birds too large to fly had claws, which they must have used for purposes other than climbing.

Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information

 

Sentence Simplification Questions句子简化题

 

AOnly by putting all the pieces of evidence together will it be possible to determine for certain which hypothesis for Archaeopteryx flight is true

BWhile it is possible to put together a highly plausible hypothesis,the evidence is not strong enough to prove whether Archaeopteryx first flew down from the trees or flew up from the ground

CThe matter of putting the many pieces of evidence together is so overwhelming that it cannot yet be determined how Archaeopteryx first began to fly

DBecause there is no overwhelming evidence for flight from trees or the ground, a more plausible hypothesis is necessary.

8

None of these hypotheses about the first uses of feathers can help us to decide whether Archaeopteryx was a ground-up or a trees-down flier. It is a matter of putting the many pieces of evidence together and coming up with the most plausible hypothesis, but there is no overwhelming evidence to determine whether Archaeopteryx glided down from above or flapped its way up from a running start on the ground. We can say, however, that only the trees-down hypothesis finds a good use for its hooked finger claws-used to climb up trees. Claws could, of course, be used in a number of different ways-some other ancient birds too large to fly had claws, which they must have used for purposes other than climbing.

According to paragraph 4, in what way is the trees-down hypothesis for Archaeopteryx flight more plausible than the ground-up hypothesis?

 

Factual Information Questions事实信息题

 

AIt is supported by overwhelming evidence.

BIt does not require winged flapping ability.

CIt is consistent with the hooked claws of the Archaeopteryx.

DIt explains the flight of other ancient birds as well.

9

It is not known whether Archaeopteryx, the earliest birdlike creature for which fossils have been found, could fly-but it probably did, at least for short distances. We can make reasoned guesses about how it might have done so, but there is no conclusive evidence about flying in Archaeopteryx because while fossils can tell us about an animal’s physiology, they cannot tell us about an animal’s behavior. First, we should look at the methods that animals other than birds use to become airborne. Even though birds have the most astounding abilities of flight, they are not the only creatures to take to the air. Some existing species of frogs, snakes, lizards, and mammals launch themselves from a height and glide for considerable distances in the air. They do so by using skin flaps on the sides of their bodies or by extending broad, sail-like limbs. [■] The gliders of Australia are typical examples of this kind of flight. [■] Some of the ancient reptiles living in the late Triassic period more than 200 million years ago used this method of flying. A fossil record of a flying reptile (a saurian) called Protoaxis texensis has been dated to that time. [■] That species could represent one of the first steps toward the evolution of birds, but many ancient reptiles had flaps of skin or long scalelike structures that they could have used for gliding or even more sustained flying.   [■]

Archaeopteryx could have used its feathers to aid gliding after climbing up a high tree, using its finger claws, and then launching itself into the air. This is known as the trees- down hypothesis. Alternatively, it could have used its wings to obtain liftoff after running fast on the ground with its wings flapping. This is known as the ground-up, or cursorial, hypothesis. Archaeopteryx might, for example, have used running and flapping flight to catch insects. This hypothesis links wing use to feeding and takes into account the fact that Archaeopteryx had teeth and fed on meat, either exclusively or among other things. It might have used its feathers simply to provide air resistance (drag) when pouncing on prey. Pouncing might then have turned into swooping as feathers and flight muscles provided better liftoff. Evolving to be smaller in size would have been another factor essential for becoming airborne, but that occurred after the time of Archaeopteryx. In fact, it seems that Archaeopteryx was unable to become fully airborne after running and flapping flight because, given its construction, to provide sufficient energy for takeoff it would have needed to run much faster than possible.

Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage

The fossil record shows that these animals are not the first to employ it.

Insert Text Questions句子插入题

 

Where would the sentence best fit？Click on a square  sentence to the passage.

10

It is likely that Archaeopteryx could fly short distances, but it is not known how it first evolved flight.

 

Prose Summary Questions概要小结题

 

Select 3 answers

AIn the late Triassic period, several creatures developed the ability to fly, including Archaeopteryx. Protoaxis texensis , and various early forms of frogs, snakes, and lizards.

BBy running along the ground and flapping its wings, Archaeopteryx may have been able to achieve low-level flight in order to catch prey.

CThough feathers aid flight, Archaeopteryx may have originally evolved feathers for purposes unrelated to flight such as insulation or visual communication.

DArchaeopteryx may have started to fly by climbing up trees and then using its feathers to glide down through the air.

EArchaeopteryx may have developed flight by jumping repeatedly in the air in order to obtain prey in trees, using its feathers to slow its fall to the ground.

FOne key to Archaeopteryx flight is the hooked finger claw that was found in the fossil evidence, which makes both major hypotheses generally plausible.