Unit 5 Revealing Nature单元练习（含解析）-2025-2026学年高中英语外研版选择性必修第一册

第一部分：阅读理解 (共两篇，每题2.5分，共15分)
A
When Charles Darwin set sail on the HMS Beagle in 1831, he was a young man with a passion for geology and natural history. He had no idea that the specimens he collected and the observations he made would shake the foundations of science forever.
During the voyage, Darwin was particularly struck by the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. He noticed that the finches (雀类) on different islands varied slightly in beak (喙) shape and size. Some had strong, thick beaks for cracking nuts, while others had long, thin beaks ideal for catching insects. Darwin initially thought these were different species. It was only later, back in England, that he realized they were all related to a single species from the South American mainland. He hypothesized that these finches had evolved over time, adapting to the different food sources available on each island.
This insight, known as natural selection, was a slow and painful birth. Darwin spent over 20 years collecting more evidence, afraid of the controversy his theory would cause. In 1859, he finally published On the Origin of Species. The book not only revolutionized biology but also changed humanity’s understanding of its place in the natural world. Today, Darwin’s theory remains the cornerstone of modern biology.
1.What did Darwin notice about the finches on the Galápagos Islands
A. They were exactly the same as those on the mainland.
B. They had different beak shapes based on their diet.
C. They refused to eat nuts or insects.
D. They did not interact with each other.
2.Why did Darwin delay publishing his theory for over 20 years
A. He did not think the evidence was sufficient.
B. He was too busy with other scientific work.
C. He was worried about public disagreement.
D. He wanted to return to the islands first.
3.Which of the following best describes the author’s attitude towards Darwin’s theory
A. Doubtful
B. Critical
C. Admiring
D. Uninterested
B
Nature is a master of disguise. Many animals use camouflage not just to hide from predators, but also to surprise prey. However, scientists have recently revealed a new layer of complexity: some animals are evolving to hide from humans specifically.
Researchers studying cliff swallows (崖燕) in Nebraska made a fascinating discovery. These birds build nests on highways and bridges. Over the past 30 years, the birds that were hit by cars tended to have longer wings. Why Because longer wings make it harder for birds to take off quickly vertically (垂直地). As a result, the population of cliff swallows has evolved to have shorter wings, allowing them to dodge (躲闪) oncoming traffic more effectively.
This is a classic case of “unnatural selection.” Instead of natural predators shaping the species, human infrastructure is driving evolution at an unprecedented speed. “We are changing the environment so dramatically that we are actually directing the evolution of species living around us,” said one biologist. While this shows the incredible adaptability of nature, it also serves as a stark reminder of the impact human activity has on wildlife.
What is the main purpose of the passage
A. To explain how birds build nests.
B. To introduce a new type of natural selection caused by humans.
C. To compare different kinds of swallow species.
D. To argue that humans should not build highways.
5.What happened to the cliff swallows in Nebraska over 30 years
A. They have stopped building nests on bridges.
B. They have developed longer wings.
C. Their wings have become shorter on average.
D. They have lost the ability to fly.
6. The phrase “unnatural selection” in paragraph 3 refers to the idea that ______.
A. the selection is not driven by traditional natural forces
B. the birds are not adapting well to the environment
C. humans are trying to protect the birds
D. nature is becoming less important
第二部分：语言知识运用 (共两节，满分38分)
第一节：完形填空 (共15小题；每小题1分，满分15分)
阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, scientists are constantly revealing new species. Recently, a team of researchers discovered a new type of bee that does something 7 . Unlike normal bees that collect pollen (花粉) from flowers, this bee was found collecting plastic waste left by humans.
The bee, which has been named Eulaema plasticula, uses the soft plastic fibers to build its nest. “We 8 the bee carrying pieces of plastic bags back to its home,” said Dr. Maria Santos, the lead biologist. “At first, we thought it was a 9 . But after weeks of observation, we confirmed it was a widespread 10 .”
This discovery 11 both hope and concern. On one hand, it shows nature’s incredible ability to 12 to human changes. On the other hand, it highlights the severity of plastic 13 in even the most remote areas. The plastic used by the bees may contain chemicals that could be harmful to their 14 in the long term.
“Nature is trying to find a way to 15 with our waste,” Dr. Santos explained. “But we don’t yet know the long-term 16 of this adaptation.” She added that this 17 might seem encouraging, but it also serves as a warning. “We are changing the environment so fast that some species have no 18 but to adapt in unusual ways.”
The team plans to 19 the bees’ health over the next five years to see if this new behavior affects their lifespan or reproduction. “If the plastic 20 harmful substances into their bodies, it could cause serious problems,” Dr. Santos said. This study is a vivid example of how human activity is 21 the natural world in unexpected ways.
A. ordinary B. unusual C. boring D. traditional
8. A. observed B. heard C. prevented D. imagined
9. A. trick B. disaster C. mistake D. coincidence
10. A. behavior B. disaster C. disease D. attack
11. A. brings up B. brings in C. brings about D. brings back
12. A. adapt B. add C. lead D. prefer
13. A. production B. pollution C. reduction D. collection
14. A. health B. habitat C. food D. safety
15. A. compete B. fight C. cope D . agree
16. A. causes B. consequences C. reasons D. benefits
17. A. adaptation B. discovery C. invention D. decision
18. A. choice B. time C. chance D. energy
19. A. monitor B. ignore C. capture D. train
20. A. releases B. collects C. absorbs D. prevents
21. A. protecting B. shaping C. destroying D. following
第二节：语法填空 (共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分)
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
Charles Darwin is often regarded as the father of evolution. His theory, 22. ________ (base) on years of careful observation, challenged the religious beliefs of his time. 23. ________ (walk) in the woods, he often collected specimens 24. ________ would later become crucial evidence. One of the key elements in his research was the concept of “natural selection”, 25. ________ (explain) how species evolve over time.
Darwin’s journey on the HMS Beagle was 26. ________ turning point in his life. During the voyage, he encountered various species that seemed uniquely adapted to their environments. It was not until he returned to England 27. ________ he fully understood the significance of his findings. Today, 28________ (inspire) by Darwin’s methods, many young scientists go into the wild to study nature firsthand. 29. ________ remains important is the spirit of curiosity. 30. ________ (equip) with modern technology, researchers can now reveal nature’s secrets31. ________ (fast) than ever before.
答案解析：
A篇
B。细节理解题。根据第二段“He noticed that the finches...varied slightly in beak shape and size...adapting to the different food sources.”可知，达尔文注意到不同岛屿的雀鸟喙的形状不同，以适应不同的食物。B项正确。
C。细节理解题。根据第三段“afraid of the controversy his theory would cause.”可知，他害怕引发争议，所以推迟发表。C项“他担心公众的反对”符合文意。
C。观点态度题。文章最后提到达尔文的理论是“cornerstone of modern biology”，且通篇描述其探索过程，语气积极，因此作者的态度是赞赏的。
B篇
4. B。主旨大意题。文章开头提出动物为了躲避人类而进化，第二段以崖燕为例，第三段总结这是一种“unnatural selection”。B项准确概括了主旨。
5. C。细节理解题。根据第二段“the population of cliff swallows has evolved to have shorter wings”可知，崖燕的翅膀变短了。C项正确。
6. A。词义猜测题。根据下文“Instead of natural predators shaping the species, human infrastructure is driving evolution”可知，这里强调驱动力不再是“自然”的，而是“人类”的。A项解释了这一点。
完形填空参考答案及详细解析
7. B
依据：后文出现“Unlike normal bees that collect pollen from flowers”（与普通蜜蜂不同，普通蜜蜂从花朵中采集花粉），紧接着说“this bee was found collecting plastic waste”（这种蜜蜂被发现收集塑料垃圾）。两者形成鲜明对比，因此这种行为是“不寻常的”（unusual）。ordinary（普通的）、boring（无聊的）、traditional（传统的）均与上下文逻辑不符。
8. A
依据：本句是科学家Maria Santos博士的直接引语，描述她看到的现象。作为研究者，她通过亲眼“观察”（observed）得知蜜蜂搬运塑料的行为。heard（听说）不够直接，prevented（阻止）和imagined（想象）与语境完全无关。
9. D
依据：后文“But after weeks of observation, we confirmed it was a widespread...”中的“But”表示转折。起初科学家以为这只是个偶然事件，但经过数周观察后发现这是普遍现象。因此，起初他们认为这是一个“巧合”（coincidence）。trick（把戏）、disaster（灾难）、mistake（错误）均不符合这种从偶然到普遍的认知转变。
10. A
依据：上文一直在描述蜜蜂用塑料筑巢这件事，这是蜜蜂的一种“行为”（behavior）。本句说经过观察确认这是一种普遍存在的“行为”。disaster（灾难）、disease（疾病）、attack（攻击）均与上下文内容无关。
11. B
依据：本句意为“这一发现______希望和担忧”。“带来”希望和担忧是常用搭配。brings in 意为“带来，引入”，符合语境。brings up 意为“抚养，提出”，brings about 意为“导致（变化或结果）”，brings back 意为“带回，使回忆起”，均不如 brings in 贴切。
12. A
依据：本句说大自然有不可思议的能力去“______”人类带来的变化。根据文章主题，动物正在改变自身以适应人类活动，因此应选 adapt to（适应）。add to（增加）、lead to（导致）、prefer to（更喜欢）均不符合句意。
13. B
依据：本句提到“plastic ______ in even the most remote areas”（即使在最偏远地区的塑料______）。结合全文，蜜蜂在收集人类丢弃的塑料垃圾，这反映的是塑料“污染”（pollution）问题。production（生产）、reduction（减少）、collection（收集）均不是此处要强调的问题。
14. A
依据：本句说塑料中的化学物质长期来看可能对蜜蜂的“______”有害。下文提到科学家计划监测蜜蜂的“health”（健康），观察这种新行为是否影响其寿命或繁殖，因此此处应选 health（健康）。habitat（栖息地）、food（食物）、safety（安全）虽然也可能受影响，但下文直接指向健康监测。
15. C
依据：本句是科学家的话：“大自然正试图想办法______我们的垃圾。”根据上下文，蜜蜂用塑料筑巢是应对环境变化的一种方式，因此应选 cope with（应对，处理）。compete with（与……竞争）、fight with（与……斗争）、agree with（同意……）均不符合语境。
16. B
依据：本句说“我们还不知道这种适应的长期______”。科学家发现了蜜蜂的新行为，但尚不清楚这最终会带来什么结果，因此应选 consequences（后果）。causes（原因）、reasons（理由）、benefits（益处）均不如 consequences 准确，因为此处强调的是结果而非原因或好处。
17. A
依据：本句主语是“this ______”，指代前文提到的蜜蜂用塑料筑巢这一“适应”行为。上文一直在讨论 adaptation（适应），且前一句刚出现“this adaptation”，因此此处用 adaptation 形成呼应。discovery（发现）、invention（发明）、decision（决定）均未在上下文中作为核心话题出现。
18. A
依据：本句意为“环境变化太快，一些物种别无______，只能以不寻常的方式适应。”have no choice but to 是固定结构，意为“别无选择，只能”。choice（选择）符合固定搭配。time（时间）、chance（机会）、energy（精力）均不构成此固定结构。
19. A
依据：本句说研究团队计划在未来五年内“______”蜜蜂的健康状况。科学家需要持续观察和记录数据，因此应选 monitor（监测）。ignore（忽视）与文意相反，capture（捕捉）和 train（训练）均不符合科学研究的目的。
20. A
依据：本句是科学家对潜在风险的担忧：“如果塑料向它们体内______有害物质，可能会引发严重问题。”塑料中的化学物质会“释放”出来进入蜜蜂体内，因此应选 releases（释放）。collects（收集）、absorbs（吸收）方向相反——这里是塑料释放物质，而非蜜蜂收集或吸收塑料。prevents（阻止）与文意相反。
21. B
依据：最后一句是全文的总结：这项研究说明人类活动正以意想不到的方式“______”自然世界。结合全文，人类活动正在改变、塑造自然生物的进化方向，因此应选 shaping（塑造）。protecting（保护）、destroying（破坏）、following（跟随）均不如 shaping 准确概括全文主旨。
语法填空部分答案解析
based
考查非谓语动词。be based on 为固定搭配，此处用过去分词短语作后置定语，修饰 theory，表示“基于多年仔细观察的理论”。
23.Walking
考查非谓语动词。逻辑主语 he 与 walk 之间为主动关系，用现在分词作伴随状语，表示“在树林里散步时”。
24. that / which
考查定语从句。先行词 specimens 指物，关系词在从句中作主语，用 that 或 which。
explaining
考查非谓语动词。逻辑主语 the concept of “natural selection” 与 explain 之间为主动关系，用现在分词作定语，相当于 which explained。
a
考查冠词。turning point 为可数名词单数，此处表示泛指“一个转折点”，用不定冠词 a。
that
考查强调句。此处为 It was not until... that... 强调句型，意为“直到……他才……”。
inspired
考查非谓语动词。逻辑主语 many young scientists 与 inspire 之间为被动关系，用过去分词作状语，表示“受到达尔文方法的启发”。
What
考查主语从句。连接代词 what 在主语从句中作主语，表示“……的东西/事情”。
Equipped
考查非谓语动词。be equipped with 为固定搭配，此处用过去分词作状语，表示“配备了现代技术”。
faster
考查副词比较级。than ever before 是比较级的标志，表示“比以往更快”。