Question

【题目】 Press your fingers into the back of your head, just above your neck. If you feel a small bony bump (突起), you will find evidence of human evolution: it could be your body responding to common smartphone use in the 21st century.

According to a recent study, published in Scientific Reports, young people increasingly have bony bumps at the base of their skulls (颅骨) right above the neck. Medical professionals call them enlarged external occipital protuberances(EEOPs, 枕外隆突).

Australian health scientist David Shahar, author of the study told the BBC that over the past 10 years, he’s seen more and more patients with EEOPs. Together with other researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, they examined 1200 skulls x-rays from people aged 18 to 30. They also measured the bumps and noted each person’s posture (坐姿).

They found that one in four people have developed these growths. This led to their theory that smartphones are the cause.

According to their research, looking down at their phones adds the stress onto the top of our spines (脊柱). To prevent damage to our spines, Shahar believes our bodies add fresh bony bumps to help reduce the extra stress.

Most of the EEOPs measurea just a few millimeters. However, several subjects were found with EEOPs as large as 30 mm.

In his report, Shahar said the results “highlighted the need” for prevention. In other words, we need to change our posture while using our phones.

Many people assume our bones are solid and are unmoving once we reach adulthood. In reality, they are alive and covered with blood vessels (血管), which allows them to develop in unique ways for each person.

Aside from EEOPs, other noticeable recent changes in human bodies include smaller jaws, elbows and skeletons (骨格). The human body is changing with modern life. So who knows what people in the future might look like?

【1】What did the recent study find about EEPOs?

A.They grow on one’s neck.

B.They could lead to many mental problems.

C.They increasingly occur among young people.

D.They may stop growing when they reach 30.

【2】What is the main cause of EEPOs?

A.Gene problems.B.Cellphone use.

C.Blood vessels.D.Extra stress.

【3】Which of the following would Shahar probably agree with?

A.EEPOs increase the stress on our spines.

B.Young people’s bones develop in similar ways.

C.EEPOs are actually beneficial to our spines.

D.Young people should exercise to improve their posture.

【4】What’s the main purpose of the text?

A.To persuade readers to protect their spines.

B.To recommend some healthy habits of using phones.

C.To show some recent changes in human bodies.

D.To explain why human bodies develop EEPOs.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】C

【2】B

【3】C

【4】D

【解析】

本文是一篇科普说明文。研究发现，由于年轻人经常低头看手机，导致了越来越多的年轻人颅骨底部和脖子的上方有一块骨头突起，医学上被称为枕外隆突。

【1】细节理解题。根据文章第三段“Together with other researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, they examined 1200 skulls x-rays from people aged 18 to 30.”可知，研究人员对年龄在18岁到30岁之间的人的1200个头骨进行了x光检查。所以枕外隆突越来越多地出现在年轻人中。故选C。

【2】细节理解题。根据文章第四段“This led to their theory that smartphones are the cause.”可知，智能手机的使用是枕外隆突的主要原因。故选B。

【3】细节理解题。根据文章第五段“According to their research, looking down at their phones adds the stress onto the top of our spines (脊柱). To prevent damage to our spines, Shahar believes our bodies add fresh bony bumps to help reduce the extra stress.”可知，看着手机添加了我们的脊柱压力。Shahar认为我们的身体会增加新的骨块来帮助减少额外的压力。所以说Shahar认为枕外隆突实际上对我们的脊柱有益。故选C。

【4】推理判断题。本文是一篇科普说明文。研究发现，由于年轻人经常低头看手机，导致了越来越多的年轻人颅骨底部和脖子的上方有一块骨头突起，医学上被称为枕外隆突。所以本文的主要目的是为了解释人类为什么会形成枕外隆突。故选D。