8.How can a creature weighing over 5tons and normally taking 150kilograms of food and 120liters of water per day survive in a desert environment?
In the southwest African country of Namibia,and the Sahara lands of Mali further north,the desert elephant does just that.
Although not regarded as a separate species from the African elephant,the desert cousin differs in many ways.Their bodies are smaller,to absorb less heat,and their feet are larger for easier walking across sandy surfaces.They are taller,to reach higher branches.They have shorter tusks (象牙),and most importantly,longer trunks to dig for water in riverbeds.
Desert elephants can travel over 70kilometers in search for feeding grounds and waterholes,and have a larger group of families,They drink only every 3-4days,and can store water in a"bag"at the back of their throat,which is only used when badly needed.Desert elephants are careful feeders--they seldom root up trees and break fewer branches,and thus keep what little food sources are available.Yong elephants may even eat the dung (粪便)of the female leader of a group when facing food shortage.
During drought(干旱) they are unlikely to give birth to their young but with good rains the birthrate will increase greatly.Desert elephants have sand baths,sometimes adding their own urine (尿液)to make them muddy!
As we continue to overheat our weak planet,it can only be hoped that other animal species will adapt(适应) as extraordinarily well to change as the desert elephant.
29.The underlined part in Paragraph 2means"C"
A.remains in the African countries
B.drinks 120liters of water a day
C.manages to live in desert areas
D.eats 150kilograms of food daily
30.Desert elephants are called careful feeders because theyA
A.rarely ruin trees
B.drink only every 3-4days
C.search for food in large groups
D.protect food sources for their young
31.What can be inferred from the last sentence in the passage?B
A.Overheating the earth can be stopped.
B.Not all animal species are so adaptable.
C.The planet will become hotter and hotter.
D.Not all animals are as smart as desert elephants.
分析 本文是一篇说明文,属于自然类的短文阅读.一个重达5吨的生物每天只食用150公斤的食物和120公升的水如何在沙漠中生存呢?本文就是对沙漠象如何在撒哈拉大沙漠生存的进行了阐述.
解答 29-31 CAB
29.C.推理判断题.根据语境,上文提问,下文应是就这一问题进行回答,the desert elephant能做到"那一,最","那点"指在这样的环境中生存下来(survive in a desert environment).故选C.
30.A.细节理解题.根据第三段Desert elephants are careful feeders--they seldom root up trees and break fewer branches可知,沙漠象几乎不破坏树木和折断树枝;故选A.
31.B.推理判断题.最后一句提出As we continue to overheat our weak planet如果我们继续破坏我们脆弱的星球,那么由it can only be hoped that可知,这仅仅是希望而已;所以并不是所有动物都能像沙漠象那样都能适应环境;故选B.
点评 做本题时,首先要快速浏览全文,把握文章的主旨大意,理清作者的写作思路;然后结合上下文,逐句分析,并正确理解题干的意思;最后结合选项中内容,找到符合文意的选项.