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(2019·江南十校联考)
Water Robots Explore the Celtic Sea
Sicentists in England are using two self－directed water vehiches to explore the animal and plant life of the Celtic Sea.The Celtic Sea is a body of water off the southern coast of Ireland.The area is known for its exceptional sea life.Scientists want to know why sea animals are so attracted to this part of the Atlantic Ocean.
One of the research vehicles is powered by batteries.It collects information for the National Oceanography Center in Southampton，England，and the World Wildlife Fund.The vehicle's low energy requirements permit it to stay afloat for up to 30 days.Reports of what it finds in the Celtic Sea are sent by satellite.Stephen Woodward is an engineer who helped design the craft.He says the vehicle has equipment that can detect small organisms called zooplankton and fish.He adds that other sensing devices measure water currents and other features of sea life.The vehicle also creaters a two－dimensional(二维图)map of the sea.
Another vehicle is powered by solar panels and a wind turbine(涡轮机)．It can stay afloat for months.The robotic vehicle sends information about the so－called biodiversity hotspots.A biodiversity hotspot is an area of an ocean that has a lot of plant and animal life activity.Lavinia Suberg is one of the scientists studying the biodiversity of the Celtic Sea.She says productive ocean areas，like the Celtic Sea，attract zooplankton.The zooplankton then attract fish.She adds that areas with a large increase of fish often attract sea mammals and birds.
Using these robotic ocean vehicles greatly reduces the cost of exploring the seas with manned laboratories.Scientists can spend more time analyzing the collected information.They say the research will give them a better understanding of the needs of the Celtic Sea for future management and protection.
【语篇解读】 本文介绍两种水下自我探测器，它们用来勘探海底动植物。
1．Scientists go to the Celtic Sea to explore ________.
A．why this area appeal to sea animals
B．what the Celtic Sea really desires
C．whether the expense can be reduced
D．how this area can be better protected
【答案】 A 细节理解题。根据第一段最后一句话“Scientists want to know why sea animals are so attracted to this part of the Atlantic Ocean.”可知，选A。
2．According to paragraph 2，the research vehicle ________.
A．is used only to measure water currents
B．is designed by the engineer called Lavinia
C．can also create a three－dimensional map
D．can detect the zooplankton and sea life
【答案】 D 细节理解题。根据第二段第六、七句话“He says the vehicle has equipment that can detect small organisms called zooplankton and fish.He adds that other sensing devices measure water currents and other features of sea life.”可知，选D。
3．Which of the following is TRUE?
A．Both of the vehicles are powered by batteries.
B．Neither of the vehicles can stay for months.
C．The vehicles help reduce both time and money.
D．Reports are sent by the scientists themselves.
【答案】 C 推理判断题。根据第四段第一、二两句话“Using these robotic ocean vehicles greatly reduces the cost of exploring the seas with manned laboratories.Scientists can spend more time analyzing the collected information.”可知，选C。
4．What is the purpose of the passage?
A．To call on us to protect the sea.
B．To introduce two water robots.
C．To inform us of sea exploration.
D．To arouse our interest in sea life.
【答案】 B 推理判断题。从文章第二、三段大意可知，本文主要介绍两种水下自我探测器。故选B。
