New findings from Queen’s University biologists show that in the plant world, bigger isn’t necessarily better.

“Until now most of the thinking has suggested that to be a good competitor in the forest, you have to be a big plant,” says Queen’s Biology professor Lonnie Aarssen. “But our research shows it’s virtually the other way around.”

Previous studies showed that larger plant species monopolize(壟斷) sunlight, water and other resources, limiting the number of smaller plant species that can exist around them. But the research has proved that this is not generally the case in natural vegetation.

In the Queen’s project, PhD student Laura Keating targeted the largest “host plants” of 16 woody plant species growing in the Okanogan Valley, British Columbia. The research team calculated the number and variety of plants that neighbored each large host plant. They then randomly selected plots without host plants and calculated the plant species there as well. The research showed that the massive trees have no effect on the number of species with which they coexist.

Smaller plants have many advantages over their overbearing neighbors, Professor Aarssen notes. Larger species generate physical space niches under their shelters where smaller species grow well. Smaller plants are much more effective than large trees at using available resources. They also produce seeds at a much younger age and higher rate than their bigger counterparts, and settle down much more quickly—thus competing with the newly-born plants of larger species.

1. What’s the main idea of the text?

A. Smaller plants may have many advantages over their neighbors.

B. In the plant world, the bigger is better than the smaller one.

C. To be a good competitor in the forest, you have to be a small plant.

D. Queen’s University’s students made a new research.

2. The underlined word “this” in Para. 3 refers to the view that _____.

A. large and small plants can grow together in harmony

B. larger plant species limit their smaller neighbors’ growth

C. small plant species have their own advantages

D. large and small plant species can never coexist

3.What can we learn according to the text?

A. Larger plant species limit the number of smaller ones around them.

B. Smaller plants can limit the number of plant species around them.

C. Smaller plants produce seeds at a higher rate than their bigger counterparts.

D. Larger trees are more effective than small plants at using available resources.

4. Which is the CORRECT order in the Queen’s project?

a. Randomly selected plots without host plants and-calculated the plant species.

b. Calculated the number and variety of plants that neighbored each large host plant.

c. Selected the largest individuals or "host plants" of 16 woody plant species.

A. a, b, cB. c, b, a

C. b, c, aD. a, c, b

Three Central Texas men were honored with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Director’s Award in a Tuesday morning ceremony for their heroism in saving the victims of a serious two­car accident.

The accident occurred on March 25 when a vehicle lost control while traveling on rain­soaked State Highway 6 near Baylor Camp Road. It ran into an oncoming vehicle, leaving the occupants trapped inside as both vehicles burst into flames.

Bonge was the first on the scene and heard children screaming. He broke through a back window and pulled Mallory Smith, 10, and her sister, Megan Smith,9, from the wreckage.

The girls’ mother, Beckie Smith, was not with them at the time of the wreck, as they were traveling with their baby sitter, Lisa Bowbin.

Beckie Smith still remembers the sickening feeling she had upon receiving the call informing her of the wreck and the despair as she drove to the scene.

Bozeman and Clemmons arrived shortly after Bonge and helped rescue the other victims and attempted to put out the fires.

“I was nervous,” Bozeman said. “I don’t feel like I’m a hero. I was just doing what anyone should do in that situation. I hope someone would do the same for me.”

Everyone at the accident made it out alive, with the victims suffering from nonlife­threatening injuries. Mallory Smith broke both femurs(股骨), and Megan had neck and back injuries. Bowbin is still recovering from a broken pelvis(骨盆), ankle and foot.

The rescuers also were taken to the hospital and treated for cuts and smoke breathing, Bonge said.

In addition, Bozeman got to meet accident victim Anthony Russo in the hospital after the accident, where Russo presented him with a glass frame inscribed with “Thank you”, Bozeman said. Those involved in that fateful encounter on Highway 6 credited God blessing for bringing them together.

“Whatever the circumstances, Tuesday’s ceremony provided a time to be grateful for those who put their lives on the line for the lives of complete strangers,” Beckie Smith said, “We’re calling it The Miracle on Highway 6.”

1. What’s the main idea of the passage?

A. Three persons were awarded for rescuing victims in a car accident.

B. Three ordinary people were regarded as great heroes.

C. Several victims were carried to safety from the burning cars.

D. A car accident occurred on rain­soaked State Highway 6.

2. Who saved Megan Smith from the damaged car?

A. Clemmons.B. Anthony Russo.

C. Bozeman.D. Bonge.

3.Which of the following can be used to describe Bozeman?

A. Kind.B. Modest.

C. Excited.D. Smart.

4. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Luckily, no one received too serious injuries in the accident.

B. All the victims received slight injuries in the accident.

C. The rescuers were taken to the hospital to visit the victims.

D. The injured will soon recover from their injuries.

The sign over there says that no person ______ enter the area without official permission.

A. may B. must C. will D. shall

It wasn’t until he was diagnosed with cancer ______ he realized the significance of health.

A. when B. that C. which D. what

The water of the Miyun Reservoir is regularly ______ to ensure the security of Beijing people’s drinking water.

A. tested B. checked

C. examined D. inspected

______ more energy to my study instead of being addicted to Internet games, I would be sitting in a comfortable office now.

A. If I devoted B. Had I devoted

C. Should I devote D. If I were to devote

The new couple spent their honeymoon in Hawaii, staying in a honeymoon suite(套間) ______, the windows faced the sea.

A. whose B. its

C. of which D. which

While he was crossing the street, he narrowly escaped ______.

A. being knocked down B. knocked down

C. knocking down D. been knocked down

---- James, do you know it’s Kate’s birthday tomorrow?

---- Really? I ______ her a present after work this afternoon.

A. will buy B. am going to buy

C. am buying D. am to buy

Their claims _______, the cruel terrorists killed several hostages.

A. were turned down B. being turned on

C. turning out D. turned down