2004年1月份托福阅读真题及其答案
Question 11-21
Lichens. probably the hardiest of all plants, live where virtually nothing else can---not
just on rugged mountain peaks but also on sunbaked desert rocks. They are usually the
first life to appear on a mountainside that has been scraped bare by an avalanche.
Line Unlike other members of the plant kingdom, lichens are actually a partnership between
5 two plants. The framework of a lichen is usually a network of minute hairlike fungus that
anchors the plant, The other component is an alga (similar to the green film of plant life
that grows on stagnant pools) that is distributed throughout the fungus. Being green plants,
algae are capable of photosynthesis--that is, using energy from the Sun to manufacture
their own food. The fungi arc believed to supply water, minerals, and physical support to
10 the partnership.
Lichens are famous for their ability to survive ~ water shortage. When water is scarce
(as is often the case on a mountain), lichens may become dormant and remain in that
condition for prolonged periods of time. Some lichens can even grow where there is no
rain at all, surviving on only occasional dew--the moisture that condenses on the surface
15 of the plants at night, And unlike most other plants, lichens are little affected by the strong
ultraviolet rays in the mountains.
Lichens use little energy, for they grow slowly. Some grow so slowly and are so old
that they are called "time stains." You may find lichens that are centuries old; certain of
these lichen colonies have been established for an estimated 2,000 years.
20 For decades, scientists wondered how the offspring of an alga and a fungus got together
to form a new lichen, it seemed unlikely that they would just happen lo encounter one
another. It was finally discovered that in many cases the two partners have never been
separated. Stalklike "buds" that form on certain lichens are broken off by the wind or by
animals; these toll or are blown to a new location
11. Which of the following questions does the passage answer?
A) Where can the oldest lichens be found?
B) How long does it take for lichens to establish themselves?
C) How large can lichens he?
D) Where do lichens usually occur?
12. The word "hardiest" in line I is closest in meaning to
A) most unusual
B) most basic
C) most abundant
D) most vigorous
13. The word "framework" in line 5 is closest in meaning to
A) structure
B) fragment
C) condition
D) environment
14. The author mentions "the green film of plant life that grows on stagnant pools" (lines 6-7) in order to explain
A) how the sun affects lichens
B) why plants depend on water
C) where fungi become algae
D) what algae are
15. It can be inferred from the passage that lichens use less energy and grow more slowly when
A) the environment is polluted
B) they are exposed to ultraviolet rays
C) they are very old
D) the supply of water is inadequate
16. Which of file following terms is defined in the passage?
A) "anchors" (line 6)
B) "stagnant" (line 7)
C) "dew" (line 14.)
D) "ultraviolet" (line 16)
17. The word "prolonged" in line 13 is closest in meaning to
A) precise
B) extended
C) approximate
D) regular
18. All of the following are mentioned in the discussion of lichens EXCEPT:
A) They are capable of producing their own food.
B) They require large amounts of minerals lo prosper.
C) They are a union of two separate plants.
D) They can live thousands of years.
19. What does the phrase "lichen colonies" (line 19)suggest?
A) Nothing but lichens live in some locations.
B) Many lichens live together in one area.
C) Lichens displace the plants that surround them.
D) Certain groups of lichens have never been separated.
20. The word "encounter" in line 21 is closest in meaning to
A) lose
B) support
C) meet
D) create
21. The word "these" in line 24 refers to
A) partners
B) buds
C) lichens
D) animals
