Why did humans evolve to walk upright? Perhaps it’s just plain easier. Make that “energetically less costly”, scientifically speaking.

       Bipedalism—walking on two feet, is one of the defining characteristics of being humans, and scientists have debated for years how it came about. In the latest attempt to find an explanation, researchers trained five chimps (黑猩猩) to walk on a treadmill (跑步機) while wearing masks that allowed measurement of their oxygen consumption. The chimps were measured both while walking upright and while moving on their legs and knuckles (關(guān)節(jié)). That measurement of the energy needed to move around was compared with similar tests on humans and the results are published in this week’s online edition of “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

       It turns out that humans walking on two legs use only one-quarter of the energy that chimps use while knuckle-walking on four limbs(肢). And the chimps, on average, use as much energy using two legs as they did when they used all four limbs.

       However, there were differences among chimps in how much energy they used, and this difference corresponded to their different manner of walking and anatomy (解剖構(gòu)造). One of the chimps used less energy on two legs, one used about the same and the others used more, said David Raichlen, assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Arizona.

       “What we were surprised at was the variation,” he said in a telephone interview. “That was pretty exciting, because when you talk about how evolution works, variation is the bottom line, without variation there is no evolution.”

       Walking on two legs freed our arms, opening the door to drive the world, said Raichlen. “We think about the evolution of bipedalism as one of first events that led hominids (原始人) down the path to being humans.

       The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the L. S. B. Leakey Foundation.

1. The underlined word “Bipedalism” in Paragraph 2 probably means ________.

       A. moving sideways                    B. walking upright               

C. walking on four legs                D. running fast

2. We can infer from the passage that_________.

       A. scientists have no idea on how humans’ walking on two legs came about

       B. scientists have had different views on why chimps walk on four legs

       C. scientists have had different views on how humans’ walking on two legs came about

       D. scientists have had similar views on how humans’ walking on two legs came about

3. What is Paragraph 4 mainly about?

       A. How chimps saved energy.

       B. Why chimps didn’t walk on two legs.

       C. David Raichlen studies chimps.

       D. Different chimps consumed different energy.

4. According to the passage, humans walk upright in order to ________.

       A. conserve energy                      B. differ from other animals

       C. free their brains                       D. strengthen their legs

練習冊系列答案
相關(guān)習題

科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解

Tokyo - Drivers in China are no longer in a hurry to own Toyota Motor Corp's cars.

Neil Hu, a sales manager at a Toyota dealership in Beijing, said he has stopped charging a 5,000 yuan ($732) premium to customers who want to skip the waiting list for RAV4 sport- utility vehicles. He took the initiative after the Japanese carmaker recalled 75,552 of the SUVs in China last month to fix gas pedals that may stick.

"I heard the situation in the US is pretty bad for Toyota," Hu said. "The recall has impacted us as well."

Toyota, which grew more slowly than competitors in China in 2009, will likely lose more market share and see a decline in local profit margin this year, analysts say. The carmaker has relied on a reputation for quality and safety to sell high margin, mid- to large-size models even as the world's biggest auto market shifts to cheaper, smaller cars, encouraged by government incentives.

With Toyota's brand damaged by global recalls of millions of vehicles, profit margins for its SUVs and Camry and Crown sedans may shrink, said Ashvin Chotai, London-based managing director of Intelligence Automotive Asia Ltd, an industry consultant.

"With this recall saga, Toyota's premium pricing power in China is gone," Chotai said. "Toyota's cars don't have enough good value for money."

Toyota has lost $24.5 billion in market capitalization this year as it recalled over 8 million cars globally to fix defects linked to unintended acceleration. The company faces at least 118 class actions in the US and at least 36 individual lawsuits claiming deaths and injuries caused by sudden acceleration of Toyota or Lexus vehicles.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda flew directly to Beijing on March 2 to apologize for the vehicle defects, after attending US Congressional hearings about the recalls in Washington. He skipped Europe's Geneva auto show, underscoring the growing importance of the Chinese market.

Toyota rose for a fifth straight day in Tokyo, advancing 0.9 percent to 3,580 yen as of 9:44 am local time. The carmaker's shares have fallen 7.7 percent this year.

The company's February China sales rose 30 percent to 45,400 vehicles, underperforming the overall passenger-car.

According to the passage, why did Toyota carmaker recall their cars in China last month? _____________

A. Because it faced law suits in the US

B. Because there were problems with the cars.

C. Because of the importance of the Chinese market

D. Because the customers are not satisfied with the charging of a 5,000 Yuan premium.

What does the underlined phrase“take the initiative” mean?

A. took the advice B. changed his mind C. took the action D. made the decision

Why did Toyota president Akio Toyota skip Europe’s Geneva auto show?

A. Because he did not think it important

B. Because he was not satisfied with the hearing in the US

C. Because he attached importance to the Chinese Market

D. Because he needed to make an apology to Chinese

After the global recalls of millions vehicles, Toyota will be impacted in the following aspects, EXCEPT_________.

A. Its brand will be damaged

B. Its profit margins will shrink

C. It will have to face law suits

D. The president will be fired

Where can read the passage? __________

A. newspaper

B. magazine

C. encyclopedia

D. a school book

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源: 題型:閱讀理解

What is the hottest topic at your school recently? In Hangzhou Yongjin Middle School, it’s money. The school held an activity called “making money” last weekend. About 200 students of Senior 1 and Senior 2 were divided into 30 teams. They went out to make money by selling things. What did they choose to sell? Some sold newspapers; some chose bottled water; some sold environmentally friendly shopping bags and bamboo(竹子) baskets.

Hu Qing’s team decided to sell some useful books in front of the Children Activity Center. They thought parents would like to buy the books for their children. But unfortunately, they met urban management officers (城管). The officers asked them to leave. “We played hide-and-seek (捉迷藏) with the officers for the whole morning” said Hu. “Finally we had to give up.”

Wang Bing and her team sold ice cream in a square. They didn’t meet any officers. But few people were interested in what they were selling. The team then put up a board saying “For Country Kids”. It worked. More people came to their stall (小攤). A foreigner even gave them 100 yuan. “He didn’t want any change. He said he wanted to help the children,” said Wang. “We were touched.” Later that day they gave the 100 yuan and more to the “Project Hope” office.

Meng Zhaoxiang and his team were luckier. They sold all their cakes in four hours, spending 39.5 yuan and getting back 80 yuan. They made 40.5 yuan. “It was not easy to make the money,” said Meng. “Some people just looked. Others just tasted but didn’t buy. Now I know how hard it is for our parents to make money.”

86. In Hangzhou Yongjin Middle School, what the students talk more about is ________.

A. the officers                         B. the kind foreigner

C. the activity called “making money”      D. the money they made last weekend

87. ________ took part in the activity.

A. All the students                     B. Some teachers

C. About 200 students of the three grades   D. Part of Junior 1 and Junior 2 students

88. Hu Qing’s team finally gave up because ________.

A. the parents didn’t like to buy the books

B. the Children Activity Center was too crowded

C. the officers didn’t allow them to sell anything there

D. the team played the game of the hide-and-seek the whole morning

89. Why did more people come to Wang Bing’s stall at last?

A. The team put up a magic board. B. A foreigner came up and helped them.

C. The people liked to help country kids.

D. The people were interested in their ice cream.

90. According to the passage the students learn ________.

A. it’s impossible for them to make money

B. it’s not easy for their parents to make money

C. it’s very important for them to make a living

D. it’s necessary for school to hold more activities in the future

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2010年河南大學附屬中學高一上學期期中考試英語卷 題型:閱讀理解

What is the hottest topic at your school recently? In Hangzhou Yongjin Middle School, it’s money. The school held an activity called “making money” last weekend. About 200 students of Senior 1 and Senior 2 were divided into 30 teams. They went out to make money by selling things. What did they choose to sell? Some sold newspapers; some chose bottled water; some sold environmentally friendly shopping bags and bamboo(竹子) baskets.
Hu Qing’s team decided to sell some useful books in front of the Children Activity Center. They thought parents would like to buy the books for their children. But unfortunately, they met urban management officers (城管). The officers asked them to leave. “We played hide-and-seek (捉迷藏) with the officers for the whole morning” said Hu. “Finally we had to give up.”
Wang Bing and her team sold ice cream in a square. They didn’t meet any officers. But few people were interested in what they were selling. The team then put up a board saying “For Country Kids”. It worked. More people came to their stall (小攤). A foreigner even gave them 100 yuan. “He didn’t want any change. He said he wanted to help the children,” said Wang. “We were touched.” Later that day they gave the 100 yuan and more to the “Project Hope” office.
Meng Zhaoxiang and his team were luckier. They sold all their cakes in four hours, spending 39.5 yuan and getting back 80 yuan. They made 40.5 yuan. “It was not easy to make the money,” said Meng. “Some people just looked. Others just tasted but didn’t buy. Now I know how hard it is for our parents to make money.”
86. 【小題1】In Hangzhou Yongjin Middle School, what the students talk more about is ________.

A.the officersB.the kind foreigner
C.the activity called “making money”D.the money they made last weekend
87. 【小題2】________ took part in the activity.
A.All the studentsB.Some teachers
C.About 200 students of the three gradesD.Part of Junior 1 and Junior 2 students
88. 【小題3】 Hu Qing’s team finally gave up because ________.
A.the parents didn’t like to buy the books
B.the Children Activity Center was too crowded
C.the officers didn’t allow them to sell anything there
D.the team played the game of the hide-and-seek the whole morning
89. 【小題4】Why did more people come to Wang Bing’s stall at last?
A.The team put up a magic board.B.A foreigner came up and helped them.
C.The people liked to help country kids.
D.The people were interested in their ice cream.
90. 【小題5】 According to the passage the students learn ________.
A.it’s impossible for them to make money
B.it’s not easy for their parents to make money
C.it’s very important for them to make a living
D.it’s necessary for school to hold more activities in the future

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2011年廣東省高考模擬英語卷(一) 題型:閱讀理解

Tokyo - Drivers in China are no longer in a hurry to own Toyota Motor Corp's cars.

Neil Hu, a sales manager at a Toyota dealership in Beijing, said he has stopped charging a 5,000 yuan ($732) premium to customers who want to skip the waiting list for RAV4 sport- utility vehicles. He took the initiative after the Japanese carmaker recalled 75,552 of the SUVs in China last month to fix gas pedals that may stick.

"I heard the situation in the US is pretty bad for Toyota," Hu said. "The recall has impacted us as well."

Toyota, which grew more slowly than competitors in China in 2009, will likely lose more market share and see a decline in local profit margin this year, analysts say. The carmaker has relied on a reputation for quality and safety to sell high margin, mid- to large-size models even as the world's biggest auto market shifts to cheaper, smaller cars, encouraged by government incentives.

With Toyota's brand damaged by global recalls of millions of vehicles, profit margins for its SUVs and Camry and Crown sedans may shrink, said Ashvin Chotai, London-based managing director of Intelligence Automotive Asia Ltd, an industry consultant.

"With this recall saga, Toyota's premium pricing power in China is gone," Chotai said. "Toyota's cars don't have enough good value for money."

Toyota has lost $24.5 billion in market capitalization this year as it recalled over 8 million cars globally to fix defects linked to unintended acceleration. The company faces at least 118 class actions in the US and at least 36 individual lawsuits claiming deaths and injuries caused by sudden acceleration of Toyota or Lexus vehicles.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda flew directly to Beijing on March 2 to apologize for the vehicle defects, after attending US Congressional hearings about the recalls in Washington. He skipped Europe's Geneva auto show, underscoring the growing importance of the Chinese market.

Toyota rose for a fifth straight day in Tokyo, advancing 0.9 percent to 3,580 yen as of 9:44 am local time. The carmaker's shares have fallen 7.7 percent this year.

The company's February China sales rose 30 percent to 45,400 vehicles, underperforming the overall passenger-car.

1.According to the passage, why did Toyota carmaker recall their cars in China last month? _____________

A.Because it faced law suits in the US

B.Because there were problems with the cars.

C.Because of the importance of the Chinese market

D.Because the customers are not satisfied with the charging of a 5,000 Yuan premium.

2.What does the underlined phrase“take the initiative” mean?

A.took the advice

B.changed his mind

C.took the action

D.made the decision

3.Why did Toyota president Akio Toyota skip Europe’s Geneva auto show?

A.Because he did not think it important

B.Because he was not satisfied with the hearing in the US

C.Because he attached importance to the Chinese Market

D.Because he needed to make an apology to Chinese

4.After the global recalls of millions vehicles, Toyota will be impacted in the following aspects, EXCEPT_________.

A.Its brand will be damaged

B.Its profit margins will shrink

C.It will have to face law suits

D.The president will be fired

5.Where can read the passage? __________

A.newspaper

B.magazine

C.encyclopedia

D.a(chǎn) school book

 

查看答案和解析>>

科目:高中英語 來源:2010年河南大學附屬中學高一上學期期中考試英語卷 題型:閱讀理解

What is the hottest topic at your school recently? In Hangzhou Yongjin Middle School, it’s money. The school held an activity called “making money” last weekend. About 200 students of Senior 1 and Senior 2 were divided into 30 teams. They went out to make money by selling things. What did they choose to sell? Some sold newspapers; some chose bottled water; some sold environmentally friendly shopping bags and bamboo(竹子) baskets.

Hu Qing’s team decided to sell some useful books in front of the Children Activity Center. They thought parents would like to buy the books for their children. But unfortunately, they met urban management officers (城管). The officers asked them to leave. “We played hide-and-seek (捉迷藏) with the officers for the whole morning” said Hu. “Finally we had to give up.”

Wang Bing and her team sold ice cream in a square. They didn’t meet any officers. But few people were interested in what they were selling. The team then put up a board saying “For Country Kids”. It worked. More people came to their stall (小攤). A foreigner even gave them 100 yuan. “He didn’t want any change. He said he wanted to help the children,” said Wang. “We were touched.” Later that day they gave the 100 yuan and more to the “Project Hope” office.

Meng Zhaoxiang and his team were luckier. They sold all their cakes in four hours, spending 39.5 yuan and getting back 80 yuan. They made 40.5 yuan. “It was not easy to make the money,” said Meng. “Some people just looked. Others just tasted but didn’t buy. Now I know how hard it is for our parents to make money.”

86. 1.In Hangzhou Yongjin Middle School, what the students talk more about is ________.

A.the officers

B.the kind foreigner

C.the activity called “making money”

D.the money they made last weekend

87. 2.________ took part in the activity.

A.All the students

B.Some teachers

C.About 200 students of the three grades

D.Part of Junior 1 and Junior 2 students

88. 3. Hu Qing’s team finally gave up because ________.

A.the parents didn’t like to buy the books

B.the Children Activity Center was too crowded

C.the officers didn’t allow them to sell anything there

D.the team played the game of the hide-and-seek the whole morning

89. 4.Why did more people come to Wang Bing’s stall at last?

A.The team put up a magic board.

B.A foreigner came up and helped them.

C.The people liked to help country kids.

D.The people were interested in their ice cream.

90. 5. According to the passage the students learn ________.

A.it’s impossible for them to make money

B.it’s not easy for their parents to make money

C.it’s very important for them to make a living

D.it’s necessary for school to hold more activities in the future

 

查看答案和解析>>

同步練習冊答案