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2026年5月托福机经套卷(第3套)Read an Academic Passage5 道题

Herpetology: A Tale of Two Lizards

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Herpetology: A Tale of Two Lizards Herpetologists have closely studied the interaction between two species of lizards—the native green anole (Anolis carolinensis) and the invasive brown anole (Anolis sagrei)—in the southeastern United States. Although the two species are similar in size, they occupy different vertical zones: green anoles are found in the tree canopy (treetops), while brown anoles dominate ground-level habitats. Initially, this vertical separation was interpreted as a natural habitat preference, but further research suggests that it is a defensive response by green anoles to avoid direct competition. Scientists now believe that green anoles were displaced upward due to aggressive territorial behavior by brown anoles. One theory proposes that this forced shift has triggered rapid evolutionary changes in green anoles. Researchers have documented the development of larger toe pads and more lamellae—microscopic scales that enhance grip—allowing green anoles to navigate thinner branches more effectively. Meanwhile, brown anoles have adapted as well, showing changes in limb length and body coloration in response to new environments and predators. In one Florida study, brown anoles exposed to higher predation developed shorter limbs, which may improve maneuverability in dense vegetation. These findings reveal how competitive pressure can reshape species behavior and morphology within just a few generations, offering a real-time glimpse into evolutionary change.
Question 1查看单题
What can be concluded from the passage about green anoles?
AThey lived on the ground before changes in their habitat.
BThey often become aggressive to defend their territory.
CThey encounter many competitors in the tree canopy.
DThey eat largely the same diet as brown anoles do.
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正确答案：A
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Question 2查看单题
Why does the passage mention "larger toe pads and more lamellae" in green anoles?
ATo emphasize a competitive advantage of green anoles over brown anoles
BTo illustrate an evolutionary response to environmental pressure
CTo indicate a general characteristic of lizard species living in trees
DTo suggest a reason for the decline in the green anole population
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正确答案：B
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Question 3查看单题
The word "scales" in the passage is closest in meaning to
Aweights
Bplates
Cfibers
Dhooks
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正确答案：B
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Question 4查看单题
According to paragraph 3, brown anoles may develop shorter limbs to help them with
Ablending into their environment
Bcatching fast-moving prey
Cescaping more easily from predators
Dhiding among thin branches
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正确答案：C
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Question 5查看单题
The passage indicates that studies of the relationship between green anoles and brown anoles are valuable for which of the following reasons?
AThey suggest a way to reduce the harmful effects of invasive species.
BThey allow researchers to witness evolutionary mechanisms at work.
CThey show that adaptations take much longer than previously thought.
DThey provide a glimpse of the complex interplay between predators and prey.
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正确答案：B