Question

    Press your fingers into the back of your head, just above your neck. If you feel a small bony bump (突起), you may find evidence of human evolution (进化): it could be your body responding to common smartphone use in the 21st century.

According to a recent study, published in Scientific Reports, more young people have bony bumps at the base of their skulls, right above the neck. Medical professionals call them enlarged external occipital protuberances (EEOPs, 枕外隆突).

Australian health scientist David Shahar, the author of the study, told the BBC that he’s seen more and more patients with EEOPs over the past ten years. Together with other researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, they examined 1,200 skull x-rays from people aged 18–30. They also measured the bumps and noted each person’s posture. They found that one in four people had developed these growths. This led to their theory that smartphones are the cause.

According to their research, looking down at our phones adds stress onto the top of our spines (脊柱). To prevent damage to our spines, Shahar believes our bodies add fresh bony bump to help reduce the extra stress.

Most of the EEOPs measured just a few millimeters. However, several subjects were found with EEOPs as large as 30 mm.

In his report, Shahar said the results “highlighted the need” for prevention. In other words, we need to change our posture while using our phones.

Many people assume our bones are solid and unmoving once we reach adulthood. In reality, they are alive and covered with blood vessels(血管), which allows them to develop in unique ways for each person.

Aside from EEOPs, other noticeable recent changes in human bodies include shrinking jaws, narrower elbows and generally smaller skeletons. The human body is adapting to modern life, so who knows what people in the future might look like?

1.What did the recent study find about EEOPs?

A.They grow on one’s neck.

B.They can lead to many health problems.

C.They may stop growing when you reach 30.

D.They occur among more and more young people.

2.What is the main cause of EEOPs according to the researchers?

A.Extra stress. B.Aging bones.

C.Smartphone use. D.Gene problems.

3.Which of the following would Shahar probably agree with?

A.EEOPs increase the stress on our spines.

B.EEOPs are actually beneficial to our spines.

C.Young people’s bones adapt in similar ways.

D.Young people should exercise to improve their posture.

4.What’s the writing purpose of the text?

A.To persuade readers to protect their spines.

B.To explain why human bodies develop EEOPs.

C.To show some recent changes in human bodies.

D.To recommend some healthy habits of using phones.

Answer

1.D

2.C

3.B

4.B

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。文章讲述了由于对21世纪普通智能手机的使用，导致了越来越多的年轻人有枕外隆突。

1.

细节理解题。由第三段中的“Together with other researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, they examined 1,200 skull x-rays from people aged 18–30.”（他们和澳大利亚阳光海岸大学的其他研究人员一起，检查了1200张18-30岁人群的头骨x光片。）和“They found that one in four people had developed these growths.”（他们发现，每四个人中就有一个人长出了枕外隆突。）可知枕外隆突发生在越来越多的年轻人中。故选D项。

2.

细节理解题。由第三段中的“This led to their theory that smartphones are the cause.”（这导致了他们的理论，即智能手机是原因。）可知智能手机的使用是造成枕外隆突的主要原因。故选C项。

3.

推理判断题。由第四段中的“According to their research, looking down at our phones adds stress onto the top of our spines (脊柱). To prevent damage to our spines, Shahar believes our bodies add fresh bony bump to help reduce the extra stress.”（根据他们的研究，低头看手机会增加脊椎顶部的压力。为了防止损伤我们的脊椎，Shahar相信我们的身体会增加新鲜的骨质来帮助减少额外的压力。）可推断出枕外隆突对我们的脊椎有好处，能够增加新鲜的骨质来帮助减少额外的压力。 Shahar可能会同意这一观点。 故选B项。

4.

推理判断题。由第一段“ If you feel a small bony bump (突起), you may find evidence of human evolution (进化): it could be your body responding to common smartphone use in the 21st century.”（如果你感觉到一个小小的骨性肿块，你可能会发现人类进化的证据：它可能是你的身体对21世纪普通智能手机使用的反应。）第二段尾句“Medical professionals call them enlarged external occipital protuberances (EEOPs, 枕外隆突).”（医学专家称之为扩大的枕外隆突），第三段讲“枕外隆突产生的原因”，第四段讲“枕外隆突的好处”，可知文章的写作目的是解释人类为什么会形成枕外隆突。故选B项。