Pollution is reducing the fragrance of plants and thus preventing bees from pollinating them--endangering one of the most essential cycles of nature, a new study suggests. The potentially hugely significant research, funded by US National Science Foundation, has found that gases mainly formed from the emissions of cars prevent flowers from attracting bees and other insects to pollinate them. And the scientists who have conducted the study fear that insects' abilities to drive away enemies and attract mates may also be disturbed. Professor Jose Fuentes, who led the study, said, "Scent molecules produced by flowers in a less polluted environment could travel for roughly 1,000 to 1,200 meters. But today they may travel only 200 to 300 meters. This makes it increasingly difficult for bees and other insects to locate the flowers." The researchers, who worked on the molecules of snapdragons ,found that the molecules are volatile and quickly bond with pollutants, mainly formed from vehicle emissions. This chemically changes the molecules so that they no longer smell like flowers. A harmful cycle is therefore set up where insects struggle to get enough food and the plants do not get pollinated enough to multiply. Already bees, which pollinate most of the world's crops, are in such a great decline that has never been known before in Britain and across much of the globe. At least a quarter of America's 2.5 million honey bee colonies have been mysteriously wiped out by colony collapse disorder(CCD),where hives are found suddenly deserted. The crisis has now spread to Europe. Politicians insist that CCD has not yet been found in Britain, but considering the present number of bees, the agriculture minister Lord Rooker has sent the warning, "The honey bee population could be wiped out in 10 years." Although the researchers are not certain whether this is the real cause of CCD, they say that pollution is making life more difficult for bees and other insects in many ways. What would be the best title for the passage? A) Traffic Pollution Puts Bees in Danger B) Traffic Pollution is to Blame for CCD C) Pollution Makes Flowers Lose Their Scent D) Pollution Causes the Decrease in Flowers
C
(Question)
Rae and Bruce Hostetler not only work very hard,they also relax just as well. Numerous vacations help the couple to maintain their health and emotional well-being-and it's no surprise to health care professionals. "Rest,relaxation, and stress reduction are very important for people's weLl-being and health. This can be accomplished through daily activities,such as exercise and meditation,but vacation is an important part of this as well," said primary care physician Natasha Withers from One Medical Group in New York. Withers lists a decreased risk of heart disease and improved reaction time as some of the benefits from taking some time off. "We also know that the mind is very powerful and can help with healing,so a rested,relaxed mind is able to help the body heal better," said Withers. Psychologists confirm the value of vacations for the mind. " The impact that taking a vacation has on one's mental health is great," said Francine Lederer,a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles who specializes in stress and relationship management. " Most people have better life perspective and are more motivated to achieve their goals after a vacation,even if it is a 24- hour time-out. " The trips could be good for their health,good for their family and good for their .businesses. The online travel agency Expedia conducted a survey about vacation time in 2010,and according to their data the average American eamed 18 vacation days-but only used 14 0f them. France topped the list,with the average worker earning 37 vacation days and using all but two of them. Americans' responses may not be surprising in a culture where long hours on the job often are valued,but that's not always good for the individual,the family or the employer. Psychologists have also found that people who don't take enough time to relax may find it harder to relax in the future. "Without time and opportunity to do this,the nerve connections that produce feelings of calm and peacefulness become weaker,making it actually more difficult to shift into... How did the author introduce the topic of the text? A) By making comparisons, B) By giving an example. C) By raising questions. D) By providing data.
(Answer)
B
Ques: Britons may like to complain a lot, but they rarely do so right now, explains BBC writer Ruth Margolis. They would rather grumble afterward. This is because Britons hate to put someone out and cause any embarrassment. Margolis writes, "For instance, I'm much more comfortable just leaving that piece of raw chicken on my plate instead of complaining to restaurant staff. But beware: if this kind of thing happens when you're dining with an American, they will most likely speak up on your behalf and not understand why you find this ashamed." In a BBC blog post comparing cultural differences between the UK and the US, Margolis mentions a few other things that Americans like to do that are offensive to Britons. * Not making introductions Margolis says most Britons dislike this approach because "talking to strangers without being introduced gives them a stomachache". Americans rarely introduce a new friend to their friends at parties. Strangers are supposed to introduce themselves. * "Quite" good Using "quite" to mean "very" happens a lot in the US. But if you are invited to a dinner party in Britain, don't describe the meal as "quite good" if you want to express high praise. To Britons' ears, "quite" _ the "good": the meal was OK but could have been better. * Money Talk Americans can talk about money subjects for hours without feeling uncomfortable. For Britons, says Margolis, "Talking about how much we make is unthinkable -- even 1ess so than discussing our feelings." * Over-politeness "It's not that I want shop assistants to be actively rude. But neither do I want to expend energy responding to someone who's been paid to ask: 'How are you today?'" says Margolis. In the US, it is not unusual to be greeted by a perfect stranger as "honey" or "sweetie". But Margolis says Britons find put-on friendliness, especially in stores, deeply irritating. What does the text mainly talk about? A) How to get on well with westerners. B) How to start conversations with Britons. C) Ruth Margolis' tips on public behavior. D) Some American habits that annoy Britons.
Ans: D
Next autumn when you see wild geese heading south for the winter flying in a V formation you might think about what scientists have discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a V formation the whole group adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flies on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the push of one another. When a wild goose falls out of the formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go alone and quickly tries to get back into the formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. When the head goose gets tired, it flies back into the formation and another goose flies to the front. It is wise to take turns doing difficult jobs whether it be people or wild geese flying south. Wild geese honk from behind to inspire those up front to keep up their speed. What can we learn from this? When a wild goose gets sick or wounded by gunshots, and falls out of the formation, two other geese will fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They will stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then will they go on with their own or with another formation to catch up with their group. Wild geese fly in a V formation in order to _ . A) protect themselves from danger B) fly more quickly and easily C) help the sick and wounded D) fly much higher in the sky
B