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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 to
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] load
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