一、完形填空（1-20題）

Directions:

Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C or D on the ANSWER SHEET. (10 points)

The idea that plants have some degree of consciousness first took root in the early 2000s; the term “plant neurobiology” was __1__ around the notion that some aspects of plant behavior could be __2__ to intelligence in animals. __3__ plants lack brains, the firing of electrical signals in their stems and leaves nonetheless triggered responses that __4__ consciousness, researchers previously reported.

But such an idea is untrue, according to a new opinion article. Plant biology is complex and fascinating, but it __5__ so greatly from that of animals that so-called __6__ of plants’ intelligence is inconclusive, the authors wrote.

Beginning in 2006, some scientists have __7__ that plants possess neuron-like cells that interact with hormones and neurotransmitters, __8__ “a plant nervous system, __9__ to that in animals,” said lead study author Lincoln Taiz, “They __10__ claimed that plants have “brain-like command centers” at their root tips.”

This __11__ makes sense if you simplify the workings of a complex brain, __12__ it to an array of electrical pulses; cells in plants also communicate through electrical signals. __13__, the signaling in a plant is only __14__ similar to the firing in a complex animal brain, which is more than “a mass of cells that communicate by electricity,” Taiz said.

“For consciousness to evolve, a brain with a threshold __15__ of complexity and capacity is required,” he __16__.”Since plants don’t have nervous systems, the __17__ that they have consciousness are effectively zero.”

And what’s so great about consciousness, anyway? Plants can’t run away from __18__, so investing energy in a body system which __19__a threat and can feel pain would be a very __20__ evolutionary strategy,according to the article.

1.A.coined

B.discovered

C.collected

D.issued

2.A.attributed

B.directed

C.compared

D.confined

3.A.unless

B.when

C.once

D.though

4.A.coped with

B.consisted of

C.hinted at

D.extended

5.A.suffers

B.benefits

C.develops

D.differs

6.A.acceptance

B.evidence

C.cultivation

D.creation

7. A. doubted

B. denied

C. argued

D.requested

8. A. adapting

B. forming

C. repairing

D. testing

9. A. analogous

B. essential

C. suitable

D.sensitive

10. A. just

B. ever

C.still

D.even

11. A.restriction

B. experiment

C.perspective

D. demand

12.A.attaching

B.reducing

C.returning

D.exposing

13.A.However

B.Moreover

C.Therefore

D.Otherwise

14.A.temporarily

B.literally

C.superficially

D.imaginarily

15.A.list

B.level

C.label

D.local

16.A.recalled

B.agreed

C.questioned

D.added

17.A.chances

B.risks

C.excuses

D.assumptions

18.A.danger

B.failure

C.warning

D.control

19.A.represents

B.includes

C.reveals

D.recognizes

20.A.humble

B.poor

C.practical

D.easy