Question

Scientists have found living organisms trapped in crystals (晶体) that could be 50,000 years old.

The organisms were found in a hot, but beautiful cave system in Naica, Mexico. These ancient life forms can be seen only with a microscope. Penelope Boston, who leads the Astrobiology Institute at NASA, the space agency of the United States, says the ancient microbes were able to live by eating minerals such as iron.

She spoke about the discovery recently at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. If the findings are confirmed, they will show how microbes can survive in extreme conditions. Forty different kinds of microbes and some viruses were found in the underground area. The genetic structures of these organisms are 10 percent different from those of their nearest relatives.

The caves in Naica are 800 kilometers deep. They were once used for mining lead. Before the miners began working in the caves, the area was separated from the surface and the outside world. Some of the caves are as big as the large religious centers built during Europe’s Middle Ages. There are crystals covering the walls. The caves are so hot that scientists must wear special clothing to keep cool. The clothing keeps the crystals safe from human germs (病菌) or other damage. Boston said the researchers could only work for about 20 minutes at a time before they had to go to a room that was 38 degrees Celsius to cool down.

NASA officials would not let Boston share her findings with scientific experts before last week’s announcement. So scientists could not say much about the findings. But Norine Noonan, a biologist with the University of South Florida, said she believed them. “Why are we surprised?”Noonan asked. “ As a biologist, I would say life on Earth is extremely tough and extremely colorful.”

Boston is also studying microbes commonly found inside caves in other countries, such as Ukraine and the United States. These microbes appear to be impossible to kill. Boston said they show how difficult life on Earth can be.

1.The existence of the ancient microbes relies on ________.

A. surrounding insects    B. eating minerals

C. diverse plants    D. absorbing air

2.What can we infer about the eaves in Naica from the passage?

A. The temperature in the caves is quite low.

B. The environment in the caves is difficult to adapt to.

C. The walls are covered by crystals.

D. The caves have been explored since they were formed.

3.What is the biologist Norine Noonan’s attitude towards the findings?

A. Neutral.    B. Doubtful.

C. Positive.    D. Indifferent.

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

A. Living organisms bring hope to scientific research.

B. Caves provide living environment for living organisms.

C. Microbes show great power to survive in terrible conditions.

D. Scientists Discover 50,000-year-old “super life” in Mexico.

Answer

1.B

2.B

3.C

4.D

【解析】

这篇文章主要讲了科学家在墨西哥发现5万岁的“超级生命”，这些古老的微生物能够通过食用铁和锰等矿物质生存。

1.细节理解题。由says the ancient microbes were able to live by eating minerals such as iron.可知这些古老的微生物能够通过食用铁和锰等矿物质生存，选B。

2.推理判断题。由There are crystals covering the walls. The caves are so hot that scientists must wear special clothing to keep cool. The clothing keeps the crystals safe from human germs (病菌) or other damage. Boston said the researchers could only work for about 20 minutes at a time before they had to go to a room that was 38 degrees Celsius to cool down.可知有晶体覆盖在墙上。洞穴是相当的热，科学家必须穿特殊的衣服才比较凉爽。衣服还保护晶体免受人类身上的细菌或其他因素的损害。研究人员每次只能工作约20分钟，然后他们就得到38摄氏度的房间里降温。所以可以推断出洞穴里的环境很难适应，选B。

3.推理判断题。由But Norine Noonan, a biologist with the University of South Florida, said she believed them.可知NASA官员不会让波士顿在上周的公告之前与科学专家分享她的发现。所以科学家不能公布过多的研究结果。但是，南佛罗里达大学的生物学家诺丁·诺南说她相信他们。故选C。

4.主旨大意题。这篇文章主要讲了科学家在墨西哥发现5万岁的“超级生命”，这些古老的微生物能够通过食用铁和锰等矿物质生存，所以选D。