New Evidence of Genetic Factors Influencing Sexual Orientation in Men.
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高中英语科技论文翻译练习题20题答案解析1. The development of new technologies has greatly improved our lives.学生翻译:新技术的发展已经很大地提高了我们的生活。
正确翻译:新技术的发展极大地改善了我们的生活。
解析:“improve”翻译为“改善”比“提高”更准确,“lives”是“生活”的复数形式,在这里表示人们的生活状态。
这个句子的结构是主谓宾,主语是“The development of new technologies”,谓语是“has greatly improved”,宾语是“our lives”。
2. Advanced scientific research requires a lot of time and effort.学生翻译:先进的科学研究需要许多时间和努力。
正确翻译:高级科学研究需要大量的时间和精力。
解析:“a lot of”可以翻译为“大量的”,“effort”翻译为“精力”更符合科技论文的语境。
句子结构为主谓宾,主语是“Advanced scientific research”,谓语是“requires”,宾语是“a lot of time and effort”。
3. The application of artificial intelligence is becoming more and more widespread.学生翻译:人工智能的应用正在变得越来越广泛。
正确翻译:人工智能的应用正变得越来越广泛。
解析:这个句子比较简单,主要考查学生对“application”“artificial intelligence”“widespread”等词汇的掌握。
句子结构是主谓,主语是“The application of artificial intelligence”,谓语是“is becoming more and more widespread”。
基因编辑英语句型练习40题1. The discovery of a new method for gene editing ______ a breakthrough in medical science.A.isB.areC.wasD.were答案:A。
本题考查主谓一致。
“The discovery”是单数名词,作主语时,谓语动词用单数形式,且根据语境,句子是一般现在时,所以用“is”。
选项B“are”用于复数主语;选项C“was”是过去式,时态不符;选项D“were”也是过去式且用于复数主语。
2. Scientists are working hard to improve the technology of gene editing ______ more diseases can be treated.A.so thatB.even thoughC.as soon asD.in order to答案:A。
本题考查连词的用法。
“so that”表示目的,引导目的状语从句,意为“以便,为了”,符合句意。
选项B“even though”表示让步,“即使”;选项C“as soon as”表示“一……就……”;选项D“in order to”后接动词原形,不是从句。
3. Gene editing has the potential ______ many genetic disorders.A.to cureB.curingC.cureD.cured答案:A。
本题考查固定搭配“have the potential to do sth.”,意为“有做某事的潜力”,所以用“to cure”。
选项B“curing”是动名词形式;选项C“cure”是动词原形,不符合搭配;选项D“cured”是过去式或过去分词。
4. The process of gene editing ______ very complex.A.isB.areC.wasD.were答案:A。
中考英语生物工程的前沿技术单选题40题1. Gene editing technology in medicine can ____ many incurable diseases.A. treatB. preventC. causeD. ignore答案解析:A。
本题考查动词的词义辨析。
选项A“treat”有治疗的意思,基因编辑技术在医学上可以用来治疗很多不治之症,符合语境。
选项B“prevent”是预防,基因编辑技术主要是对已有的疾病进行处理而不是预防,所以该选项错误。
选项C“cause”是导致,与基因编辑技术在医疗中的积极作用相悖,错误。
选项D“ignore”是忽视,不符合基因编辑技术在医疗中的功能,这里主要考查词汇的理解。
2. In agricultural gene editing, which of the following is a possible benefit?A. Reducing the yieldB. Increasing the resistance to pestsC. Making plants more sensitive to diseasesD. Decreasing the nutritional value答案解析:B。
本题考查农业方面基因编辑的好处。
选项B“增加对害虫的抵抗力”是基因编辑在农业方面可能带来的好处。
选项A“减少产量”不是好处,不符合题意。
选项C“使植物对疾病更敏感”是负面的,不是好处。
选项D“降低营养价值”也是负面的,不符合基因编辑在农业中的积极意义,这里主要考查词汇和对基因编辑在农业应用的理解。
3. The gene - editing tool CRISPR is known for its ____.A. complexityB. inaccuracyC. high costD. simplicity and efficiency答案解析:D。
【含答案解析】人教版高三英语科学前沿动态练习题50题1. Scientists have made a breakthrough in gene editing. They can now ____ genes more precisely than ever before.A. modifyB. identifyC. createD. observe答案:A解析:本题考查动词词义辨析。
A选项modify表示修改、调整,在基因编辑语境下,能够更精确地修改基因符合题意;B选项identify意为识别,基因编辑重点不是识别基因,而是对其进行改变,所以该选项不符合;C选项create是创造,这里说的是对已有的基因进行编辑,不是创造基因,故该选项错误;D选项observe是观察,与更精确地做某事不匹配,不符合基因编辑这一语境。
2. With the development of artificial intelligence, machines can ____ complex tasks that were once only possible for humans.A. carry outB. make upC. look intoD. set off答案:A解析:A选项carry out有执行、开展的意思,人工智能发展后机器能够执行复杂任务,符合语境;B选项make up是组成、编造等意思,与执行任务无关,不符合题意;C选项look into是调查、研究,不能用来描述机器对任务的操作,所以该选项错误;D选项set off出发、动身或者引发,不能表示执行任务,不符合句子语义。
3. In the field of space exploration, scientists are trying to ____ a new planet that might be suitable for human habitation.A. discoverB. inventC. imagineD. expect答案:A解析:A选项discover表示发现,在太空探索领域科学家试图发现新的适合人类居住的星球,这是合理的;B选项invent是发明,星球是客观存在的,不能被发明,所以该选项错误;C选项imagine是想象,科学家的目的不是想象一个星球,而是找到实际存在的星球,不符合题意;D选项expect是期望,与发现星球这一动作不匹配。
高三英语询问科学单选题50题1. Recent research has found that some bacteria can form a complex community structure called a biofilm. In a biofilm, bacteria are surrounded by a self - produced matrix. Which of the following is a major component of this matrix?A. DNAB. ProteinC. LipidD. Carbohydrate答案:D。
解析:在生物膜的基质中,碳水化合物是主要成分之一。
选项A,DNA虽然存在于细胞中,但不是生物膜基质的主要成分。
选项B,蛋白质是生物膜的组成部分,但不是基质的主要成分。
选项C,脂质主要参与细胞膜结构构建,而非生物膜基质的主要部分。
本题主要考查生物科学知识,语法上是一般现在时的陈述语句。
2. The mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" of the cell. Which process mainly occurs in mitochondria?A. PhotosynthesisB. GlycolysisC. Cellular respirationD. Protein synthesis答案:C。
解析:线粒体中主要发生的过程是细胞呼吸,这是其重要功能。
选项A,光合作用主要发生在叶绿体中。
选项B,糖酵解发生在细胞质中。
选项D,蛋白质合成主要发生在核糖体上。
从语法来看,这是一个考查一般现在时和生物知识结合的题目。
3. In the process of evolution, some animals have developed unique adaptations. The giraffe's long neck is an example. Which theory best explains the evolution of the giraffe's long neck?A. Lamarck's theory of inheritance of acquired characteristicsB. Darwin's theory of natural selectionC. Mendel's law of inheritanceD. The theory of punctuated equilibrium答案:B。
托福考试前很多考生通过TPO练习来提高自己的托福解答能力,目前TPO也已经更新到54了,今天上海学校托福小编给为大家分享TPO54听力原文及题目答案解析,方便大家做考前练习!托福暑期班已上线,报暑期优惠多多!托福TPO听力54原文及题目:STORY THEATER_故事剧院Listen to a conversation between a student and a professor of her theaterclass.Student:So, Professor Baker, about our next assignment you talked about inclass.Professor:Yes, this time you'll be in groups of three, each of you willhave a chance to direct the other two in a short scene from a play you've chosenyourself.Student:Right, and, well, I've been reading about story theater, and…Professor:Ah, story theater, tell me about what you've read.Student:Well, it's a form of theater where folk or fairy tales are actedout.It was…eh, introduced, by the director Paul Sills in the 1960s.In Sills'sapproach, an actor both narrates, and acts out a tale.So, like someone willappear on stage, and then will start narrating a tale, about…say a king, andthen the same person will immediately switch to and start acting out the role ofthe king, with no props or scenery.Professor:Sills, you know I actually saw his first story theater productionin 1968, he did the fairy tale ‘the blue light'.Student:Really, so whatever gave him the idea to produce that?Professor:Well, as you know, back in the late 1960s, lots of people in theUnited States were disillusioned with the government.Sills was grappling withhow to produce theater that was relevant in such times.Then he happened to read‘the blue light', and he realized that it had just the message he wanted. See, in the story, a man has lost all hope as a result of the unfortunate events in his life, completely turns his life around, with the help of a magical blue light. So,the blue light in the story symbolizes a way out of seemingly unsolvable human problems.And for Sills, that light symbolized an answer to the political turmoil in the US.Student:But weren't you…um, audiences bother that the actors wereperforming on a bare stage?Professor:Well, story theater is a departure from traditionaldramatictheater with its realistic elaborate props and scenery, but Sills could make us see, say a big tall mountain through the facial expressions and body movements of the actors, and they're telling of the story.We were all swept up, energized by such an innovative approach to theater, even if one or two of the critics weren't as enthusiastic.Student:Cool, so, anyway.What I really wanted to ask, I'd love to try doing story theater for my project instead of just a scene from a traditionalplay.Professor:Um, that's possible.A short tale can be about the same length asa single thing.Which fairy tale would you do?Student:Actually, I was reading about another director of story theater,Rack Stevenson.You know, he produces plays based on folk tales as well.Maybe I could direct one of those.Professor:Okay, yes, Rack Stevenson.Now, Stevenson's style's story theateris a little different from Sills's.He'll use simple props, a chair will represent a mountain, but the significant difference is with the narrator.The narrator will play only that role.Let's talk about why.题目:1.Why does the student go to see the professor?A. To learn about the background of a director who was discussed inclassB. To ask permission to use a specific type of theater for her class assignmentC. To discuss the symbolism in a play she wants to use for herassignmentD. To find out what scenery she is allowed to use in presenting her assignment2.Why does the professor discuss the political environment in the United States in the 1960s?A. To compare events at that time to events that occurred in one of Stephenson’s playsB. To suggest that the woman do additional research on that period ofUnited States historyC. To point out why political themes are common in folk and fairy talesD. To explain Sills's inspiration for his first story theatreproduction3.According to the professor, what does the blue light in the fairy tale called "The Blue Light" represent?A. A plan that is impossible to followB. A conflict between two opposing forcesC. A solution to complex problemsD. A question that has no clear answer4.What is the professor's opinion about Sills's production of The BlueLight?A. He thinks that it was an inventive and powerful performance.B. He believes that the use of some props would have enhanced theperformance.C. He thinks that the theme is even more relevant today than it was in the1960s.D. He believes that it was less effective stylistically than some ofStephenson's plays.5.According to the professor, what is the most important difference betweenStephenson's and Sills's style of story theatre?A. The actor who plays the role of the narrator plays only that role inStephenson's productions.B. The actors wear elaborate costumes in Stephenson's productions.C. The stage settings are realistic in Stephenson's productions.D. Political themes are avoided in Stephenson's productions.(由于篇幅太长,答案和解析我们将以pdf提供给大家下载)索取“托福TPO听力54原文+题目+答案解析”PDF电子版,请加COCO老师微信(shnc_2018),发送暗号“优化+TPO54”托福TPO听力54原文+题目:Migration of Zooplankton浮游动物的迁移Listen to part of the lecture in the marine biology class.And the sea is teaming with tiny organisms, but they don't get as muchpopular attention as say, whales.Microscopic algae just aren't as exciting I suppose.And yet those organisms are the foundation of the bulk of the marine food chain.Without plankton which is the global term for these tiny organisms, there will be no whales.Plankton is found both in fresh water and marine environments.Again it's a term we use for any small organisms that float along with the current, either because they are too small or weak to swim against it, or because they don't have any capacity at all to move by themselves.Plants and plant-like plankton are called phytoplankton while animals and animal-like plankton are called zooplankton.For over a century now, researchers have been trying to solve the mystery about zooplankton.You see some species of zooplankton migrate are……um…… not the way birds do when the seasons change.But daily, in the phenomenon we call Diel Vertical Migration or DVM, in the Diel Vertical Migration, sole plankton swim up near the surface of the water during the night and swim down to deeper water during the day.Depending on the species and region, this can be a round trip of between 100 and 400 meters.For a tiny microscopic organism, that's a huge distance. Remember now, zooplankton can't swim very well and DVM requires a lot of energy.So there must be an important benefit to these daily up-and-down commuting.We're not exactly sure what this benefit is.Though there are several compelling theories.I'll talk about them in a moment, but first I want to talk about what we do know or rather what we are pretty sure we know.So researchers generally agree that the stimulus for zooplankton DVM islight.Zooplankton tend to swim away from sunlight into deeper water where the sun's rays barely penetrate.At night, when the sun no longer illuminates shallower water, zooplankton head back toward the surface.Now why would light cause zooplankton to expend all that energy inmigrate?One popular theory is that zooplankton are hiding during the day fromvisual predators, eh……those animals that hunt by sight, the darkness provides safety during the day.Then at night after migrating upward, they have an opportunity to feed on phytoplankton that float at the surface.Make sense, doesn't it?But what do we do with the data showing that many kinds of zooplanktondon't dive deep enough during the day to become invisible to predators or that others dive deeper than it's necessary to escape hunters' eyes.And some zooplankton are bioluminescent, which means they have special organs that ligh up and make them visible even at great depth.Well, despite all these, we believe predator avoidance is a possible explanation because of studies done in fresh water lakes.It turns out there is a correlation between the presence or absence of vertical migration, and the presence or absence of fish that find their prey by sight.But what are some other possible explanations?Some researchers suggest that zooplankton migrate to avoid the sun'sultra-violet light.That would explain why some zooplankton are found at such great depth.Visible light may not penetrate very far down, but ultra-violet light can.And we know that some zooplankton have special pigments that protect them from the damage ultra-violet light can cause.That could be why some zooplankton are able to stay closer to the surface during daylight hours.And there is a third theory.Although it takes a lot of energy for the zooplankton to migrate, they conserve energy while floating in deeper colder water.So while they're not feeding, they are quietly digesting in cooler water.But remember, zooplankton consist of any number of different organisms.From microscopic worms to crab larvae to tiny fish, and they are found in a large range of marine habitats, cold water, warm water, shallow water, deep water. So there may be different reasons for different species.题目:1.What does the professor mainly discuss?A. The importance of zooplankton in the marine food chainB. The interdependence of two types of tiny marine organismsC. A physical feature of zooplankton that makes them well adapted for swimmingD. A phenomenon observed in some species of zooplankton2.Why does the professor conclude that zooplankton must derive an important benefit from diel vertical migration?A. Diel vertical migration uses up a lot of energy.B. Diel vertical migration exposes zooplankton to predators.C. Diel vertical migration prevents zooplankton from being able to digest phytoplankton.D. Diel vertical migration forces zooplankton populations to livepermanently in cold water.3.What does the professor imply about bioluminescent zooplankton?A. Their food source is different from that of other zooplankton.B. They probably do not rely on diel vertical migration to avoidpredation.C. They migrate deeper than other zooplankton species do.D. Most species are found in very cold water.4.Why does the professor mention fish that live in freshwater lakes?A. To point out that many aquatic species exhibit diel verticalmigrationB. To give an example of a species of fish that feeds on bioluminescent zooplanktonC. To make a comparison between fish and zooplanktonD. To support one of the theories explaining why zooplankton migrate5.Avoiding predators is one possible explanation for why zooplankton diveso deeply in the ocean. What two other explanations for this phenomenon does the professor offer?Click on 2 answersA. To avoid ultraviolet lightB. To avoid strong ocean currentsC. To digest in colder watersD. To find abundant food sources6.What does the professor imply about the reasons for diel verticalmigration in zooplankton?A. No single explanation for all species can account for thisphenomenon.B. Researchers have not been able to propose plausible theories to explain this phenomenon.C. All individual organisms have several reasons for migrating.D. Researchers were able to agree on an explanation for this phenomenonafter many years of investigation.托福TPO听力54原文:Benefits of Muon Detectors介子探测器的好处Listen to part of a lecture in an archaeology class.Professor: A popular misconception about archaeology, some people imaginewe just go out into the field with a shovel and start digging, hoping to find something significant.Well, while there is an element of luck involved, we have an array ofhigh-tech tools to help us figure out where to concentrate our efforts.One of the newer tools actually relies on particle physics, talk aboutinter-disciplinary.Here is a machine that brings together two very different sciences.This machine is called a muon detector.Muons are subatomic particles that result from cosmic rays.OK, let me start over.Cosmic rays aren't actually rays.They are basically protons zipping through outer space at close to light speed.And, when they collide with the atoms in earth's atmosphere, they break up into smaller particles -- muons.Now these muons are still highly energized, so they can easily pass on downto the earth's surface.In fact, they can pass through solid matter, so they can also penetrate deep into the surface.And it's this property of muons that archaeologists are taking advantage of.Let me explain, with the right kind of equipment, scientists can use muonsto create a kind of picture of the structures they are studying.Let's say we are studying a Mayan pyramid in central America.And we are interested in finding out if there are burial chambers or other roomsinside.Well, a muon detector will show a greater number of muons passing through the less dense areas inside the pyramid.Yes, Andrew?Andrew: Um…I'm not sure I get how this muon detector works exactly. Professor: Well, muons lose energy as they pass through dense material,like the stone walls of the Mayan pyramid.So more muons and more energetic muons will be passing through empty spaces.The muon detector can differentiate the areas where more muons are passing through -- the empty spaces, as well as where there are fewer muons, the walls and dense areas.These empty spaces will show up as darker, so we wind up with a kind ofpicture of the pyramid, and its internal structure.Andrew: A picture?Professor: Sort of like an X-ray image.Andrew: Ok, so if we see darker areas inside the pyramid, we assume it's an empty space with more muons.Professor: Exactly, with this technology, we can see what's inside the structure before we dig, so we know exactly where to explore and we can minimize the damage excavation can cause.Even a little damage could result in us losing vital informationforever.Now, muon detectors have been around for some time, but they have been improved upon since archaeologists started using them.In 1967 a physicist placed a muon detector beneath the base of one of the Egyptian pyramids of Giza.And he was looking for burial chambers.Now it happened that the muon detector found none.But he did demonstrate that the technique worked.Unfortunately the machine he used was so big that many archaeologistsdoubted muon detection could be practical.How could they get a massive piece of equipment into, say, the jungle of Belize?Then there was the issue of range.The machine used in 1967 could only scan for muons directly above it, notfrom the sides.So it actually had to be put underneath the pyramid, so it could look up.That meant if you wanted to find out what was inside an ancient structure, you first had to bury the detector beneath it.There's been a lot of work on these machines since then.And these problemshave been solved by and large.That's not to say the technology is perfect, it would be nice for example, to have a system that didn't take 6 months to produce an image.I suppose that's better than the year it took for the 1967 study to get results.But still...well, there is good reason to believe that with better equipment, we're going to see muon detectors used much more frequently.They are already being used in other areas of science, for example Japanese scientists studying the interior of volcanoes, and there are plenty of archaeologists who would love to use this technology.托福TPO听力54题目:1.What is the lecture mainly about?A. Misconceptions about muon detectorsB. An investigation of an Egyptian pyramid using a muon detectorC. The collaboration between physicists and archaeologists in thedevelopment of the muon detectorD. Benefits that muon detectors can provide to archaeologists2.What aspect of muons is most useful to archaeologists?A. Their ability to carry information from outer spaceB. Their ability to break down cosmic rays into smaller particlesC. Their ability to pass through solid matterD. Their ability to change the color of some surfaces3.According to the professor, what information can a muon detector provide about an ancient structure?A. The internal temperature of the structureB. The location of rooms within the structureC. The age of the structureD. The materials used to build the structure4.Why does the professor discuss damage to archaeological sites?A. To indicate a benefit of using muon detectors in archaeologicalresearchB. To describe an accident with a muon detector during a pyramidexcavationC. To explain how muon detectors are useful in reconstructing damagedsitesD. To explain why muon detectors were not often used in the past5.In what ways are modern muon detectors different from muon detectors used in 1967?Click on 3 answersA. Modern detectors are less expensive.B. Modern detectors use less energy.C. Modern detectors are not as large.D. Modern detectors take less time to produce an image.E. Modern detectors can scan in more than one direction.6.What is the professor's opinion about the newer muon detectors?A. She appreciates the help they provide despite the time they take to produce images.B. She fears that many archaeologists will be unwilling to learn to use them.C. She feels that they have greater potential in areas of science otherthan archaeology.D. They provide more accurate information about the age of objects thanolder detectors did.(由于篇幅太长,答案和解析我们将以pdf格式提供给大家下载)索取“托福TPO听力54原文+题目+答案解析”PDF电子版,请加COCO老师微信(shnc_2018),发送暗号“优化+TPO54”托福TPO听力54原文+题目:Finding Historical Material寻找历史材料Listen to a conversation between a student and an employee in theuniversity's historical library.Employee: Morning, what can I help you find?Student: Well, I saw the internet that the university library has menus andthings from local restaurants, like the Springfield Eatery?Employee: Right, a lot of local businesses have donated materials to ourcollection, including that restaurant.I'm pretty sure we have ten or fifteenboxes of materials from there.Student: Good, I thought you were located in the main library, so I wentthere first and they sent me here.I haven't realized the university has aseparate historical library.I think what you're doing is great,collecting localdocuments and photos, keeping a record of the region.Employee: I'm glad you see the value of it.We've been collecting materialsfor going on seventy years st year we had an exhibition that showcase howthe town square has changed over the past fifty years.So, that got the word out a little, but you're right.A lot of studentsdon't know we exist.Well, unless the major of new history.So, you're looking forsomething for class?Student: Not exactly.My grandmother went to this university, and while shewas here, she worked as a waitress.Employee: At the Springfield Eatery?Student: Yes, and that's where she met my grandfather.So, they'recelebrating their fiftieth anniversary this year.And I noticed online that you have old menus from some of the restaurants.I was thinking I could find one from the year they met and print a copy for them.Employee: What a unique idea!What year you are looking for?Student: Um, 1954.Employee: I know we have a few menus from the 1950s, but you'll have to check.There are some gaps, some years we didn't receive any new materials, and sometimes restaurants go a while without changing their menus.Student: Oh no, I really want to give them something special.Employee: Well, how about this? We also have a lot of photos, so maybe you could find one of your grandmother, or maybe even one with both your grandparents.Student: That would be awesome.Employee: The only thing is most of our materials are still in boxes.Noone's ever taken the time to organize them.So, it …it might require a fair amount of sifting.Student: Um, I have a couple of tests coming up, but I can take a quicklook, if that's okay.I know some libraries have special rules for handling delicate or old materials.Employee: Well, these aren't particularly old.Just the usual rules apply, no food or drinks.Student: Okay, thanks for your help.托福TPO听力54题目:1.Why does the man go to see the woman?A. To ask the woman if she has photographs of local businessesB. To conduct research for a history classC. To try to find a gift for his grandparentsD. To find out how long a local restaurant has been in business2.What does the woman say about an exhibition the library held lastyearA. It was in honor of the town's seventieth anniversary.B. It helped increase awareness of the collection.C. It was arranged by students who study history.D. It mostly included photographs from the 1950s.3.What does the woman imply about the menus?A. Most of the menus in the collection are from the Springfield Eatery.B. All of the menus in the collection are carefully organized in boxes.C. The menu the man is looking for is probably in the main library.D. The man might not find the menu he is looking for.4.What does the woman suggest that the man consider doing?A. Look for a photo of his grandparentsB. Frame a photograph of a menu from a different yearC. Call the restaurant to ask whether they have what he is looking forD. Take a picture of the restaurant5.Why does the man say this:A. To inform the woman that he has handled old materials in the pastB. To inquire whether the library has regulations for handling historicaldocumentsC. To imply that the library should do a better job protecting historicaldocumentsD. To argue that special precautions are not necessary in this case托福TPO听力54原文+题目:William Wheatley and Broadway Theaters威廉?惠特利和百老汇Listen to part of a lecture in a theater history class.One of the things New York city is known for is its Broadway theaters,theproductions of elaborate musicals.A lot of money goes into producing a musicalwith the actors, costumes, scenery and so on.The shows are designed to appeal tolarge audiences, to make the production financially viable.But theater didn’talways appeal to the masses.In the middle of the 19th century, with mostlywealthy residents who were going to Broadway, they would see an opera that wasprobably written and produced in Europe before making its way all over to NewYork.It was a scene for, well, the socially prominent, the upper class, whoattended these functions, perhaps, because they felt obligated rather thanbecause of a genuine interesting theater.But, in the 1860s, something else started to occur.The middle-classpopulation began to grow, and they were looking for a source ofentertainment.Keep that in mind while I talk about the theater owner named William Wigley.In 1866, Willian Wigley had this show, um, and it was different from most shows on Broadway at the time because it wasn’t an opera.And, it was developed right here in the United States, in English, unlike the operas which were typically Italian or French.Wigley also decided to incorporate some fancy production techniques, stage effects.The show also included music to make it more entertaining.And, through a stroke of luck, a world-renown ballet troop became available just as weekly show was about to open.So, he didn’t hesitate to include the ballet dancers in his production.Along the lines of those special affects I mentioned, Wigley redesign the entire stage for the show.Every floor board on the stage could be lifted up or pushed down.They were all moveable.This allowed for trap doors to be placed anywhere on the stage.So, pieces of the set, of the scenery, could easily be stored beneath the stage.And these trap doors also gave performers another less traditional way to enter in exit of the stage.Well, today, we might not think much of it, things like this are standard nowadays,the concept was quite novel at the time of Wigley show.And was one of the things that made the show a hit with audiences.Another innovative element in the show was a scene called the‘transformation scene’, during this scene, the audience watched in amazement that a setting on stage changed from a moonlit cave to a throne room in a palace.Normally to have this type of major scene change, the curtains were closed, the stage crew would remove the previous set and replaced it with the new one, and then, the curtains would open again.In this instance though, the transformation to place in front of the audience using simple machinery.And thisaffect would have the lasting impression on everyone who saw Wigley’sproduction.In fact, those people were probably disappointed when they saw another show that didn’t contain something is, well, as elaborate or exciting.So, look, when it premiered, Wigley show took audiences by surprise, it appealed to largecrowds including the growing middle-class, the show ran for almost two years straight in New York city, and achievement unheard of at the time whenproductions typically lasted weeks or months, not years.It also went on tour visiting different cities across the United States for over 25 years.So, the show was quite a success.And with all that in mind, some people call Wigley show the first musicalon Broadway.Now our current definition of a musical is that it tells a storythrough dialogue and song.In Wigley show the musical sections, well, they didn’tnecessarily integrate well with the story.Giving an overall impression ofsomething more like a variety show, yes, everything was loosely focused aroundthe central scene, so maybe it’s fair to say then that the show gave audiences ahint of a new form of musical theater, that would ultimately appear on Broadway in the decades to follow.题目:1.What is the main purpose of the lecture?A. To describe the influence of opera on Broadway productionsB. To explain how new technology allowed for enhancements to BroadwayproductionsC. To evaluate financial decisions made by theater owner WilliamWheatleyD. To examine elements that set a particular theatrical production apart from earlier ones2.What was typical of theatrical productions in the United States before the 1860s?Click on 2 answersA. The productions originated outside of the United States.B. Only a limited segment of society attended the productions.C. People attended the productions because they were interested in the plots.D. The themes of the productions were typically related to the upperclass3.According to the professor, what was a reason for a change in theatrical productions in the United States during the 1860s?A. A growing middle class was in need of entertainment.B. Wealthy theater advocates provided additional funding for new productions.C. The interest of theatergoers shifted from opera to ballet.D. A new artistic movement was founded by a group of actors4.Why does the professor mention moveable floorboards on the stage in Wheatley's production?A. To explain the reason for an unexpected technical problemB. To highlight one of the production’s innovative features。
大学英语四级分类模拟题474(总分178.5, 做题时间90分钟)Part Ⅰ Writing1.Adequate Preparation Should Be Given to Exams1.如今不少大学生在考试前不做充分的准备2.出现这种现象的原因是…3.为了改变这种状况,我认为…SSS_TEXT_QUSTI该题您未回答:х该问题分值: 16.5Adequate Preparation Should Be Given to ExamsAs is known to all, quite some college students seldom take exams with adequate preparation, which leads to low marks or even failurein the exams.The reasons for this phenomenon lie in many aspects. In the first place, college students nowadays attach less importance to marks and exams. Second, college students are occupied by so many activities that they can just spare little time for exam preparation. In addition, some teachers fail to be strict with the students, which encourages students to .neglect the exams.To solve this problem, I think both students and teachers should play their parts. On the one hand, students should have a proper attitude towards exam preparation, through which they can have a **mand of the knowledge. On the other hand, teachers ought to control the exams more strictly.Part Ⅱ Reading ComprehensionPassage OneThe contribution genes make to intelligence increases as children grow older. This goes against the notion most people hold that as we age, environmental influences gradually overpower the genetic legacy we are born with — and may have implications for education. "People assume the genetic influence goes down with age because the environmental differences between people pile up in life," says Robert Plomin. "What we found was quite amazing, and goes in the other direction."Previous studies have shown variations in intelligence are at least partly due to genetics. To find out whether this genetic contribution varies with age, Plomin"s team pooled data from six separate studies carried out in the US, the UK, Australia and the Netherlands, involving a total of 11,000 pairs of twins.In these studies, the researchers tested twins on reasoning, logic and arithmetic to measure a quantity called general cognitiveability, or "g". Each study also included both identical twins, with same genes, and fraternal twins, sharing about half their genes, making it possible to disentangle (分清) the contributions of genes and environment to their "g" scores.Plomin"s team calculated that in childhood, genes account for about 41 percent of the variation in intelligence. In adolescence, this rose to 55 percent; by young adulthood, it was 66 percent.No one knows why the influence from genes should increase with age, but Plomin suggests that as children get older; they become better at exploiting and manipulating their environment to suit their genetic needs, and says "Kids with high "g" will use their environment to foster their cognitive ability and choose friends who are like-minded." Children with medium to low "g" may choose less challenging pastimes and activities, further emphasising their genetic legacy. Is there any way to interfere with the pattern? Perhaps. "The evidence of strong heritability doesn"t mean at all that there"s nothing you can do about it," says Susanne Jaeggi. "From our own work, the ones that started off with lower IQ scores had higher gains after training."Plomin suggests that genetic differences may be more emphasised ifall children share an identical curriculum instead of it being tailored to children"s natural abilities. "My inclination (倾向) would be to give everyone a good education, but put more effort into the lower end," he says.Intelligence researcher Paul Thompson agrees, "It shows that educators need to steer kids towards things drawing out their natural talents."SSS_SINGLE_SEL1.Most people think the intelligence increases ______.A are affected more by environment than the genetic legacy with ageB should be attributed more to the contribution that genes make with ageC are closely connected with the genetic legacy with ageD go against the implication of the education with age该题您未回答:х该问题分值: 14.2答案:A[解析] 根据题干中的most people和intelligence increases将本题出处定位于第1段前两句。
漫滴州演漏市慢寨学校必修二 Unit 2 Wish you werehere检测评价A卷Ⅰ.单项填空1.(2019·南京模拟)Sometimes tests are needed ________ doctors discover exactly what's wrong with your body.A.since B.beforeC.although D.if解析:选B 句意:有时在医生准确发现你的身体出了什么问题之前做检查是必要的。
since“因为,由于”;before“在……之前”;although“虽然,尽管”;if“如果”。
根据前后句的关系,可以判断出检查应在医生诊断之前,故选B。
2.My friend Miriam felt it was out of ________ question for her to visit China without going to see the terracotta warriors, so I helped her arrange ________ tour to Xi'an.A./; the B.the; aC./; a D.the; /解析:选B 句意:我的朋友Miriam认为没有去看兵马俑来中国就毫无意义,所以我帮她安排了去西安的观光游。
out of the question“不可能;根本谈不上”,out of question“毫无疑问”;tour是可数名词,这里指一次观光。
故选B项。
3.They are college students and don't realize ________ to start and run a company.A.what takes it B.what they takeC.what it takes D.what takes them解析:选 C 考查宾语从句。
高二英语生物分类单选题50题1. Which of the following belongs to the phylum Arthropoda?A. EarthwormB. StarfishC. ButterflyD. Sponge答案:C。
解析:节肢动物门(Arthropoda)的典型特征包括具有分节的附肢等。
蝴蝶(Butterfly)属于节肢动物门。
蚯蚓(Earthworm)属于环节动物门 Annelida)。
海星 Starfish)属于棘皮动物门Echinodermata)。
海绵 Sponge)属于多孔动物门 Porifera)。
2. The organism which is classified in the class Mammalia should have the following feature:A. Gills for breathingB. Feathers on the bodyC. Hair or fur and produce milk to feed their youngD. Scales on the body答案:C。
解析:哺乳纲(Mammalia)的生物具有毛发或皮毛并且能够产奶哺育幼崽。
用鳃呼吸(Gills for breathing)是鱼类等水生生物的特征,它们属于鱼纲等,不属于哺乳纲。
身上有羽毛(Feathers on the body)是鸟类的特征,鸟类属于鸟纲(Aves)。
身上有鳞片(Scales on the body)是爬行动物等的特征,爬行动物属于爬行纲(Reptilia)。
3. Which kingdom does the mushroom belong to?A. AnimaliaB. PlantaeC. FungiD. Protista答案:C。
解析:蘑菇属于真菌界(Fungi)。
动物界(Animalia)的生物具有能运动、异养等特点。
英语科技文献翻译50题1. The discovery of a new species of bacteria has significant implications for biotechnology. 下列翻译正确的是:A. 一种新的细菌物种的发现对生物技术有重要影响。
B. 一种新细菌物种的发现对生物科技有重要的意思。
C. 一个新物种的细菌的发现对生物技术有重大暗示。
D. 新的一种细菌物种的发现对生物科技有重要的含义。
答案:A。
解析:“implication”常见释义为“影响;暗示;牵连”,在此句中取“影响”之意。
“significant”表示“重要的;显著的”。
整句翻译要注意语序和词汇的准确选择。
2. Genetic engineering has the potential to revolutionize medicine. 以下翻译恰当的是:A. 基因工程有潜力去革命化医学。
B. 基因工程具有彻底改变医学的潜力。
C. 基因工程有革命医学的可能性。
D. 基因工程有使医学革命化的可能。
答案:B。
解析:“potential”意为“潜力;可能性”,“revolutionize”表示“彻底改变;使发生革命性变革”。
翻译时要体现出准确的逻辑和含义。
3. The research on stem cells offers promising prospects for treating various diseases. 正确的翻译是:A. 关于干细胞的研究为治疗各种各样的疾病提供有希望的前景。
B. 干细胞的研究提供了治疗各种疾病的有希望的前景。
C. 对干细胞的研究为治疗各种疾病提供了有希望的前景。
D. 关于干细胞的研究给治疗不同的疾病提供了有前景的希望。
答案:C。
解析:“prospect”意为“前景;可能性”,“various”表示“各种各样的;不同的”。
注意“on”表示“关于”,翻译要符合中文表达习惯。
Genetic Basis of Behavior in InsectsInsects are a diverse group of animals that exhibit an array of behaviors that are often critical for their survival. These behaviors include feeding, mating, communication, and defense. The genetic basis of behavior in insects has been a topic of research for many years, and recent advances in genetic techniques have provided new insights into the underlying mechanisms.One of the primary ways in which genes influence behavior is through the productionof proteins that interact with the nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for processing sensory information and generating behavioral responses, and the genes that encode proteins involved in this process can have a significant impact on behavior. For example, genes that encode neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin can affect an insect's behavior by modulating its response to stimuli.In addition to neurotransmitters, there are also genes that encode receptors for these molecules. These receptors are located on the surface of neurons and can bind to specific neurotransmitters, triggering a cascade of intracellular signaling events that ultimately lead to changes in behavior. For example, the gene that encodes the dopamine receptor has been shown to influence mating behavior in fruit flies.Another way in which genes can influence behavior is through the regulation of gene expression. Gene expression refers to the process by which genes are transcribed into RNA and then translated into proteins. The level of gene expression can be regulated by a variety of factors, including environmental cues and internal signaling pathways. By modulating gene expression, insects can adjust their behavior in response to changing conditions.One of the most well-studied examples of gene expression regulation in insects is the circadian clock. The circadian clock is a molecular mechanism that allows organisms to synchronize their behavior with the daily cycle of light and dark. In insects, the circadian clock is regulated by a set of genes that are expressed in a rhythmic pattern. These genes encode proteins that interact with each other to form a feedback loop, which generates the circadian rhythm.While genes play a crucial role in shaping behavior, it is important to note that behavior is also influenced by environmental factors. For example, the availability of food and mates can have a significant impact on an insect's behavior. In addition, social interactions can also shape behavior, as insects often communicate with each other through chemical signals.Overall, the genetic basis of behavior in insects is a complex and multifaceted topic. While genes play a critical role in shaping behavior, it is important to consider the influence of environmental factors as well. By studying the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to behavior, researchers can gain a better understanding of how insects adapt to their environments and how they evolve over time. This knowledge may ultimately lead to new insights into the development of insect pests and the design of more effective pest control strategies.。
高考英语时文阅读专项专题07养成良好的答题习惯,是决定高考英语成败的决定性因素之一。
做题前,要认真阅读题目要求、题干和选项,并对答案内容作出合理预测;答题时,切忌跟着感觉走,最好按照题目序号来做,不会的或存在疑问的,要做好标记,要善于发现,找到题目的题眼所在,规范答题,书写工整;答题完毕时,要认真检查,查漏补缺,纠正错误。
【原文·外刊阅读】Jia Ling Stuns with Toned Abs in “YOLO”(文章来源:Dram apanda)Jia Ling, known for her comedic prowess and infectious personality, has long been a fixture in the Chinese entertainment industry. She’s also cemented her foray into directing and now returns with YOLO. It’s her second major screen production, following a massive success in her directorial debut film Hi Mom in 2021.Jia Ling’s latest film has finally hit the big screen as part of the Spring Festival movies in 2024. But it’s not just the movie itself that’s causing a stir—it’s the 41-year-old actress’s stunning physical transformation. In the early teasers for YOLO, which follows a complete homebody who takes up boxing, audiences caught glimpses of Jia Ling’s dedication to her role as a boxer. She had shed an impressive 50kg (60 to be exact) in a span of six months. However, it wasn’t until the movie’s release that viewers truly got to witness the extent of her transformation.In the new poster for YOLO, viewers finally see a clear glimpse of Jia Ling’s fruits of labor. She reveals a toned figure after adopting a high-intensity fitness regimen that not only slimmed her down but also sculpted her physique. Jia Ling’s abs actually trended number one on the Weibo hot search. Despite having a slim figure in thepast, the actress-director gained prominence in the comedy scene, known to carry extra weight for years, making her recent transformation all the more remarkable.It’s not uncommon to see transformations for the sake of the storyline. Actors can wear prosthetics or others go the extra mile with extreme weight transformations. Jia Ling’s journey to shed weight was not just about slimming down; it was about building muscle and strength and she’s remained steadfast in her commitment. However, Jia Ling has been adamant that YOLO is not a film about weight loss. Instead, it’s a story about empowerment and self-discovery—a message that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages.【原创·阅读理解】1. What is the main focus of Jia Ling's latest film "YOLO"?A. Weight loss journey.B. Comedy and laughter.C. Empowerment and self-discovery.D. Physical transformation for a role.2. What physical transformation did Jia Ling undergo for her role in "YOLO"?A. Wearing prosthetics.B. Extreme weight loss.C. Gaining extra weight.D. Cosmetic surgery.3. What made Jia Ling's abs trend number one on Weibo hot search?A. Her past roles in comedy.B. The extreme weight loss journey.C. Wearing prosthetics for the film.D. The high-intensity fitness regimen.4. What is the message that Jia Ling wants to convey through the film "YOLO"?A. The importance of weight loss.B. The challenges of being a comedian.C. The joy of physical transformation.D. Empowerment and self-discovery.【原文·外刊阅读】Researchers identify 275 mln new genetic variants(文章来源:CGTN)Researchers have discovered more than 275 million previously unreported genetic variants, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) said on Tuesday.The new genetic variants were identified from data shared by nearly 250,000 participants of the NIH's All of Us Research Program. Half of the genomic data are from participants of non-European genetic ancestry.The unexplored cache of variants provides researchers with new pathways to better understand the genetic influences on health and disease, especially in communities who have been left out of research in the past, said the NIH.Nearly 4 million of the newly identified variants are in areas that may be tied to disease risk."As a physician, I've seen the impact the lack of diversity in genomic research has had in deepening health disparities and limiting care for patients," said Josh Denny, chief executive officer of the All of Us Research Program and an author of the study."The All of Us dataset has already led researchers to findings that expand what we know about health – many that may not have been possible without our participants' contributions of DNA and other health information. Their participation is setting a course for a future where scientific discovery is more inclusive, with broader benefits for all," Denny said.The mission of the All of Us Research Program is to accelerate health research and medical breakthroughs, enabling individualized prevention, treatment, and care for all, according to NIH.The program will partner with one million or more people across the United States to build the most diverse biomedical data resource of its kind, to help researchers gain better insights into the biological, environmental, and behavioral factors that influence health.【原创·阅读理解】1. How many previously unreported genetic variants were discovered by researchers, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH)?A. 200 million.B. 250 million.C. 275 million.D. 300 million.2. Where did half of the genomic data come from among the participants in the NIH's All of Us Research Program?A. European countries.B. Non-European genetic ancestry.C. Asian countries.D. African countries.3. What is the main goal of the All of Us Research Program, according to the NIH?A. To identify genetic disorders.B. To create a diverse biomedical data resource.C. To develop personalized medicine for a select group.D. To conduct clinical trials for new treatments.4. Why does the NIH emphasize the importance of diversity in genomic research?A. To promote international collaboration.B. To increase the number of research participants.C. To address health disparities and limit care for patients.D. To encourage genetic modifications for improved health.【拓展阅读】U.S. House forms AI task forceLeaders of the U.S. House of Representatives said Tuesday they are forming a bipartisan task force to explore potential legislation to address concerns around artificial intelligence (AI).Efforts in Congress to pass legislation addressing AI have stalled despite numerous high-level forums and legislative proposals over the past year.House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the task force would be charged with producing a comprehensive report and consider "guardrails that may be appropriate to safeguard the nation against current and emerging threats."Generative AI, which can create text, photos and videos in response to open-ended prompts, has spurred excitement as well as fears it could make some jobs obsolete, upend elections and potentially overpower humans and have catastrophic effects.The issue received new attention after a fake robocall in January imitating President Joe Biden sought to dissuade people from voting for him in New Hampshire's Democratic primary election. The Federal Communications Commission declared this month calls made with AI-generated voices are illegal.The task force report will include "guiding principles, forward-looking recommendations and bipartisan policy proposals developed in consultation with committees" in Congress.Jeffries said "the rise of artificial intelligence also presents a unique set of challenges and certain guardrails must be put in place to protect the American people."In October, Biden signed an executive order that aims to reduce the risks of AI. In January, the Commerce Department said it was proposing to require U.S. cloud companies to determine whether foreign entities are accessing U.S. data centers to train AI models.Representative Jay Obernolte, the Republican chair of the 24-member task force, said the report will detail "the regulatory standards and Congressional actions needed to both protect consumers and foster continued investment and innovation in AI."Democratic co-chair Ted Lieu Force said "the question is how to ensure AI benefits society instead of harming us."Earlier this month, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said leading AI companies were among more than 200 entities joining a new U.S. consortium to support safe AI deployment including OpenAI, Alphabet's Google, Anthropic, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Apple, and Nvidia.参考译文:美国众议院组建AI特别工作组美国众议院领导人周二表示,他们正在组建一个跨党派工作组,探讨解决人工智能(AI)问题的潜在立法。
高三英语科学前沿动态练习题50题(带答案)1. In the field of gene editing, CRISPR - Cas9 has revolutionized the way we modify genes. The term "CRISPR" stands for ______.A. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic RepeatsB. Combined Randomly Inserted Special ProteinsC. Created Regularly Inserted Specific ReactionsD. Collected Randomly Interspaced Simple Repetitions答案:A。
解析:本题考查基因编辑领域中CRISPR这个术语的含义。
CRISPR的全称为Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats(成簇的规律间隔的短回文重复序列),这是一个固定的术语表达,需要学生对该领域的专业词汇有一定了解,其他选项是干扰项,不符合其真实含义。
2. Artificial intelligence (AI) is making great strides in healthcare. AI can help doctors ______ diseases more accurately.A. diagnoseB. diagnosesC. diagnosingD. to diagnosed答案:A。
解析:本题考查help的用法。
help sb. do sth.是常见用法,表示帮助某人做某事,这里不需要使用第三人称单数形式或者进行时形式,也不存在to后面加过去式的用法,所以选A。
3. With the development of quantum computing, scientists are able toprocess data at an ______ speed.A. incredibleB. incredulousC. incredibilityD. incredulously答案:A。
九年级英语植物遗传特性单选题50题1. In plants, genes are the basic units of ______.A. inheritanceB. growthC. photosynthesisD. respiration答案:A。
解析:基因是遗传的基本单位,inheritance表示遗传,这是基因的基本属性。
growth是生长,光合作用是photosynthesis,呼吸作用是respiration,这些都与基因作为遗传基本单位的概念不符。
2. Chromosomes in plants carry ______ information.A. geneticB. environmentalC. physicalD. chemical答案:A。
解析:染色体携带遗传信息,genetic表示遗传的,符合题意。
environmental是环境的,physical是物理的或者身体的,chemical是化学的,都与染色体携带的信息类型不符。
3. The study of plant genetic characteristics mainly focuses on ______.A. how plants look likeB. the transfer of genetic materialC. the amount of water plants needD. the color of plant leaves答案:B。
解析:植物遗传特性的研究主要集中在遗传物质的传递上,the transfer of genetic material符合要求。
how plants look like只是植物外在表现,不是遗传特性研究的主要关注点。
the amount of water plants need是植物对水分的需求,与遗传特性关系不大。
the color of plant leaves只是植物的一个外在特征,不是研究的主要方面。
Population Genetics of FishPopulation genetics is an important field of study that seeks to understand the genetic variation and evolution of populations. Fish are a particularly interesting group of organisms to study in this context, as they have a wide range of life history traits, ecological niches, and reproductive strategies. In this essay, I will discuss the population genetics of fish, including the factors that influence genetic variation, the consequences of genetic diversity, and the applications of population genetics in fisheries management.One of the main factors that influence genetic variation in fish populations is their mode of reproduction. Some fish species, such as salmon, exhibit anadromous behavior, where they migrate from freshwater to the ocean to spawn. This can result in genetic differentiation between populations that are separated by barriers such as dams or geographic distance. Other fish species, such as some species of cichlids, exhibit complex social behavior and have multiple breeding strategies, which can result in high levels of genetic diversity within populations. Additionally, the size of a fish population can also influence genetic variation, as smaller populations are more prone to genetic drift and inbreeding.Genetic diversity is important for the evolutionary potential of fish populations. In general, higher levels of genetic diversity can increase the adaptability of populations to changing environmental conditions, such as temperature or salinity fluctuations. This is particularly important in the context of climate change, where fish populations may need to rapidly adapt to changing conditions in order to survive. Additionally, genetic diversity can also influence the fitness of individuals within populations. For example, studies have shown that in some fish species, individuals with higher genetic diversity have higher survival rates and reproductive success.Population genetics has important applications in fisheries management. For example, understanding the genetic structure of fish populations can inform the design of marine protected areas and other conservation measures. Additionally, genetic tools can be used to identify illegal fishing activities, such as the mislabeling of fish species or the use of illegal fishing gear. Furthermore, genetic data can also be used to inform the management of fishstocks, such as determining the optimal size and timing of fishing quotas or assessing the impact of aquaculture on wild fish populations.Despite the importance of population genetics in fish conservation and management, there are also challenges to its implementation. One challenge is the difficulty of obtaining genetic samples from fish populations, particularly in remote or inaccessible areas. Additionally, the analysis of genetic data can be complex and require specialized expertise, which may limit its accessibility to non-experts. Furthermore, there are also ethical considerations to the use of genetic tools in fisheries management, such as the potential for unintended consequences or the use of genetic information for discriminatory purposes.In conclusion, the population genetics of fish is a complex and important field of study that has implications for the conservation and management of fish populations. Understanding the factors that influence genetic variation, the consequences of genetic diversity, and the applications of population genetics can inform the development of effective conservation and management strategies. However, there are also challenges to the implementation of genetic tools in fisheries management, which must be carefully considered in order to ensure that they are used in an ethical and effective manner.。
小学上册英语第5单元期末试卷考试时间:100分钟(总分:100)A卷一、综合题(共计100题共100分)1. 听力题:The chemical formula for lactic acid is _______.2. 选择题:What is the capital of Peru?A. LimaB. CuscoC. ArequipaD. Trujillo答案:A3. 填空题:The tortoise is very _______ (耐心).4. 填空题:The fish swims with its ______ (鳍) and tail.5. 填空题:The lizard sunbathes on a _______ (石头).6. 填空题:My toy is not just for fun; it also teaches me ______ (知识). I hope to get more toys like this in the future!7. 填空题:A goldfish can be trained to perform simple ______ (动作).8. 选择题:How many zeros are in one million?A. 5B. 6C. 7D. 8答案: B9. 听力题:My mom loves to listen to ____ (podcasts).10. 听力题:The ant carries ______ back to its nest.11. 选择题:What do you call the process of removing the skin from fruit?A. PeelingB. PittingC. SlicingD. Chopping12. 听力题:I want to learn how to ________.13. 填空题:A weasel is very ________________ (灵活).14. 选择题:Where do fish live?A. TreesB. WaterC. LandD. Sky答案:B15. 听力题:__________ are known to migrate long distances during winter.16. 填空题:I think it’s important to ________ (关心他人).17. 填空题:I enjoy seeing the __________ in the sky after it rains. (彩虹)18. 填空题:A ____(community vision statement) articulates collective aspirations.19. 选择题:Which one is a cold drink?A. CoffeeB. TeaC. LemonadeD. Soup20. 选择题:What is the opposite of high?A. LowB. TallC. ShortD. Narrow答案:A21. 听力题:A chemical equation must be _______ to show that mass is conserved.22. 填空题:We visit the ______ (电影院) to watch new movies.23. 选择题:What is the freezing point of water?A. 0 degrees CelsiusB. 100 degrees CelsiusC. 32 degrees FahrenheitD. Both A and C答案: D. Both A and C24. 填空题:The discovery of ________ has enhanced our understanding of genetics.25. 选择题:Which fruit is red and round?A. BananaB. AppleC. GrapeD. Pineapple26. 选择题:What do we call the largest land animal?A. GiraffeB. ElephantC. RhinoD. Hippopotamus答案: B. Elephant27. 选择题:What do you use to write on a blackboard?A. PencilB. CrayonC. ChalkD. Marker28. 听力题:The chemical formula for sodium sulfate is ______.29. 听力填空题:I love exploring different cultures through __________.30. 听力题:A thermos bottle reduces heat ______.31. 选择题:What is the largest planet in our solar system?A. EarthB. MarsC. JupiterD. Saturn答案:C32. 选择题:What is the primary ingredient in chocolate milk?A. CocoaB. SugarC. MilkD. Cream33. 选择题:Which planet is closest to the sun?A. EarthB. MercuryC. VenusD. Mars答案:B34. 填空题:The __________ (环境保护) ensures a better future.35. 听力题:The teacher is ______ the lesson on math. (explaining)36. 听力题:They are _____ (friends/enemies).Which color is a lemon?A. GreenB. YellowC. RedD. Blue答案:B38. 填空题:The ________ (果园) is full of trees with delicious fruits.39. 填空题:Community gardens promote ______ (邻里关系).40. 选择题:What is the opposite of 'happy'?A. SadB. JoyfulC. ExcitedD. Angry答案:A41. 选择题:What do we call a large area of flat land?A. ValleyB. PlainC. PlateauD. Hill答案:B42. 选择题:What do you call a group of people elected to make laws?A. CommitteeB. ParliamentC. CouncilD. Assembly答案:B43. 填空题:I enjoy ______ (参加) art competitions.44. 听力题:The cake is ______ (sweet) and tasty.A _____ (植物生态调查) can assess environmental health.46. 选择题:How many zeros are in one thousand?A. 1B. 2C. 3D. 447. 填空题:My favorite thing to do is ______.48. 听力题:Plants can be very _______ and grow quickly.49. 选择题:What is the main function of leaves?A. Absorb waterB. Produce oxygenC. Provide shelterD. Attract insects答案:B50. 填空题:The _____ (刺猬) is covered in spikes.51. 填空题:The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither __________ (创造) nor destroyed.52. 填空题:Australia is known for its unique ________ (澳大利亚以其独特的________) and wildlife.53. 填空题:The ________ (花蕾) will open soon.54. 听力题:She drinks orange ___. (juice)55. 听力题:A _______ is a tool for measuring the speed of a falling object.56. 听力题:In chemistry, a solution is a _______ mixture.The crow is a very ______ (聪明的) bird.58. 填空题:My sister has a pet ______ (兔子) that loves carrots.59. 填空题:I enjoy my time with my ____.60. 听力题:The first successful heart transplant was performed by _______.61. 选择题:What do we call a large animal that has a trunk?A. ElephantB. RhinocerosC. HippopotamusD. Giraffe62. 选择题:In which direction does the sun rise?A. NorthB. SouthC. EastD. West答案:C63. 听力题:The main component of nucleotides is _____.64. 听力题:I can ___ my homework. (finish)65. 填空题:My grandma enjoys making __________ (传统美食) for the family.66. 听力题:The process of making beer involves fermentation of _______.67. 听力题:The kitten is _____ with a ball of yarn. (playing)68. 填空题:Brazil is famous for its _____ during Carnival.The book is _____ (interesting/boring).70. 填空题:My favorite thing to do at home is ______.71. 听力题:A base tastes _____ and can turn red litmus paper blue.72. 选择题:What do you call the device used to look at distant objects?A. MicroscopeB. TelescopeC. PeriscopeD. Binoculars答案:B73. 选择题:What is the first letter of the alphabet?A. BB. CC. AD. D答案: C. A74. 听力题:A polymer is a large molecule made of repeating _____.75. 听力题:The __________ is a large area of coral reefs.76. 听力题:The _____ (窗台) has flowers.77. 填空题:The garden is _______ (种满了) vegetables.78. 听力题:Mount Everest is the highest _______ in the world.79. 填空题:The __________ (历史的探索精神) drives inquiry.80. 选择题:How many zeros are in one hundred?A. OneC. ThreeD. Four81. 填空题:The otter uses tools to crack ______ (贝壳).82. 听力题:The symbol for barium is _____.83. 选择题:What do you call a person who studies ancient civilizations?A. HistorianB. ArchaeologistC. GeologistD. Anthropologist答案:B84. 填空题:My dog wags its ______ (尾巴) when happy.85. 选择题:How many weeks are there in a year?A. 48B. 50C. 52D. 54答案: C86. 填空题:The sunflowers turn toward the _______ during the day.87. 选择题:What is the capital of Portugal?A. LisbonB. PortoC. MadridD. Barcelona答案:A88. 填空题:My aunt gives the best __________ (建议) about life.89. 选择题:What do you call a young ostrich?A. ChickC. CalfD. Kid答案:A90. 填空题:My cousin loves to perform in __________ (戏剧).91. 填空题:Plants can communicate with each other through ______ (化学物质).92. 填空题:I share my toys with my __________. (朋友)93. 选择题:What is the color of a stop sign?A. BlueB. YellowC. RedD. Green94. 选择题:What is the opposite of "happy"?A. JoyfulB. SadC. AngryD. Excited答案: B95. 听力题:The fastest land animal is the __________.96. 选择题:Which insect is known for its ability to make honey?A. AntB. BeeC. FlyD. Mosquito答案: B97. 小鹿) grazes quietly in the forest. 填空题:The ___98. 听力题:My sister is _____ (younger/older) than me.99. 填空题:The scientist, ______ (科学家), explores new discoveries.100. 填空题:My toy ________ spins around.。
Genetic Factors in Infectious Diseases Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. These microorganisms can cause a range of illnesses from mild to severe, and sometimes even fatal. The severity of the disease depends on various factors, including the genetic makeup of the host. In this essay, we will explore the role of genetic factors in infectious diseases from multiple perspectives.From a medical perspective, genetic factors play a crucial role in determining an individual's susceptibility to infectious diseases. Genetic variations can affect the immune system's ability to recognize and fight off pathogens. For example, some individuals may have genetic mutations that impair the production of antibodies, making them more susceptible to infections. Similarly, certain genetic variations can affect the function of immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer cells, which can compromise the body's ability to defend against infections.Moreover, genetic factors can also influence the severity of infectious diseases. For instance, individuals with certain genetic variations may develop more severe symptoms or have a higher risk of complications from infections. For example, individuals with sickle cell disease have a higher risk of severe infections, including pneumonia and meningitis, due to the impaired function of their red blood cells.From a public health perspective, understanding the role of genetic factors in infectious diseases is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Genetic testing can help identify individuals who are at higher risk of developing certain infections or experiencing severe symptoms. This information can be used to develop targeted vaccination strategies or to provide early interventions to prevent complications.Moreover, genetic research can help identify new drug targets for infectious diseases. For example, recent studies have identified genetic variations that affect the susceptibility of individuals to tuberculosis. This information can be used to develop new drugs that target these genetic variations, potentially improving the efficacy of treatment.From an ethical perspective, the use of genetic information in infectious disease management raises several ethical concerns. For example, genetic testing can reveal sensitive information about an individual's health status, which can be used to discriminate against them. Additionally, genetic testing can lead to stigmatization and social exclusion, particularly in communities where infectious diseases are highly stigmatized.Furthermore, the use of genetic information in infectious disease management raises questions about privacy and informed consent. Individuals may not fully understand the implications of genetic testing or may not be aware of how their genetic information will be used. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that individuals receive adequate information and support before undergoing genetic testing.From a societal perspective, the role of genetic factors in infectious diseases highlights the importance of addressing health disparities. Certain genetic variations are more prevalent in certain populations, which can lead to disparities in infectious disease outcomes. For example, sickle cell disease is more prevalent in individuals of African descent, who are at higher risk of severe infections. Therefore, addressing health disparities requires a comprehensive approach that includes addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and access to healthcare, as well as genetic factors.In conclusion, genetic factors play a critical role in determining an individual's susceptibility to infectious diseases and the severity of the disease. From a medical perspective, understanding genetic factors can help identify individuals who are at higher risk of infections and develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies. From an ethical perspective, the use of genetic information in infectious disease management raises several concerns, including privacy and informed consent. From a societal perspective, addressing health disparities requires a comprehensive approach that includes addressing genetic factors and social determinants of health. Overall, a better understanding of the role of genetic factors in infectious diseases is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent and treat these diseases.。
ORIGINAL PAPERNew Evidence of Genetic Factors Influencing Sexual Orientationin Men:Female Fecundity Increase in the Maternal LineFrancesca Iemmola ÆAndrea Camperio CianiReceived:18April 2007/Revised:11March 2008/Accepted:6April 2008/Published online:17June 2008ÓSpringer Science+Business Media,LLC 2008Abstract There is a long-standing debate on the role of gen-etic factors influencing homosexuality because the presence ofthese factors contradicts the Darwinian prediction accordingto which natural selection should progressively eliminate thefactors that reduce individual fecundity and fitness.Recently,however,Camperio Ciani,Corna,and Capiluppi (Proceedingsof the Royal Society of London,Series B:Biological Sciences,271,2217–2221,2004),comparing the family trees of homo-sexuals with heterosexuals,reported a significant increase infecundity in the females related to the homosexual probandsfrom the maternal line but not in those related from the paternalone.This suggested that genetic factors that are partly linked tothe X-chromosome and that influence homosexual orientationin males are not selected against because they increase fecun-dity in female carriers,thus offering a solution to the Dar-winian paradox and an explanation of why natural selectiondoes not progressively eliminate homosexuals.Since then,new data have emerged suggesting not only an increase in mat-ernal fecundity but also larger paternal family sizes for homo-sexuals.These results are partly conflicting and indicate theneed for a replication on a wider sample with a larger geo-graphic distribution.This study examined the family trees of250male probands,of which 152were homosexuals.Theresults confirmed the study of Camperio Ciani et al.(2004).We observed a significant fecundity increase even in primip-arous mothers,which was not evident in the previous study.No evidence of increased paternal fecundity was found;thus,our data confirmed a sexually antagonistic inheritance partlylinked to the X-chromosome that promotes fecundity in fem-ales and a homosexual sexual orientation in males.Keywords Male homosexuality ÁFecundity ÁEvolution ÁSexually antagonistic genetic model ÁBirth order Introduction At present,various research avenues suggest the presence of genetic factors as partly associated with male homosexuality.One line of evidence comes from the familiality of homo-sexuality.Family studies of biological brothers,adoptive brothers,and monozygotic twins have found that homosexu-ality is more common in brothers of homosexual probands (Bailey &Pillard,1991).Hamer,Hu,Magnuson,Hu,and Pattattucci (1993)studying homosexual brothers with DNA linkage analysis found an increased rate of homosexuality in the maternal line.Hamer et al.(1993)hypothesized a putative genetic factor located on the long arm of the X-chromosome in the q28region (Hu et al.,1995).This finding has been difficult to replicate,but new genetic findings have been suggested (Bailey et al.,1999;DuPree,Mustanski,Bocklandt,Niever-gelt,&Hamer,2004;Rice,Anderson,Risch,&Ebers,1999).A second independent avenue of research,not incompatible with genetic hypotheses,comes from studies that suggest a role of maternal immune reactions when the fetus is male.This hypothesis suggests that the immune system of the mother could activate an immune reaction against the H-Y antigen produced by the male fetus at an early stage during pregnan-cies,acting against a male differentiation of the brain.This response would increase in the mother with every subsequent pregnancy with a male fetus.Thus,the immunological conflict between mother and male offspring increases the probability of developing a homosexual orientation in later-born boys with older brothers (Blanchard &Klassen,1997).This happens only in biological brothers,confirming prenatal causes rather than postnatal ones (Bogaert,2006).F.Iemmola ÁA.Camperio Ciani (&)Department of General Psychology (LIRIPAC),Universityof Padova,via Belzoni 80,35121Padova,Italye-mail:andrea.camperio@unipd.it 123Arch Sex Behav (2009)38:393–399DOI 10.1007/s10508-008-9381-6In the evolutionary literature,there is a long debate on the role of genetic factors influencing homosexuality,because the presence of these factors contradicts the Darwinian prediction that natural selection should progressively eliminate the factors that reduce individual fecundity andfitness,and there is unani-mous agreement that homosexuals reproduce significantly less than heterosexuals(Bell&Weinberg,1978;Moran,1972). This Darwinian paradox has been the central theme of several studies.An intriguing hypothesis suggests that male-male bonds might help survival in social-living non-human primates (Vasey,1995),but this has never been shown in humans.Wilson(1975),in an effort to solve the Darwinian paradox, suggested a hypothesis based on kin selection.He suggested that homosexuals would have an adaptive role as helpers in their families,through affectionate or economic means or both, promoting thefitness in their close kin,and thus balancing their own directfitness loss.Recently,however,various researchers have failed to confirm the kin selection hypothesis.In fact,they found that homosexuals do not contribute in presence or in eco-nomic and affective terms more than heterosexuals(Bobrow& Bailey,2001;Muscarella,2000;Rahman&Hull,2005;Vasey, Pocock,&VanderLaan,2007).Lastly,in a recent study,Camperio Ciani,Corna,and Capi-luppi(2004)found that ascending females in the maternal line of homosexual probands were significantly more fecund(they produced approximately33%more offspring)than females in the maternal line of heterosexuals.(The term‘‘ascending fem-ales’’is used here to denote females born in generations before the subject’s generation).Camperio Ciani et al.(2004)could notfind significant differences,however,when comparing ascending females from the paternal line.This effect applied both to homosexuals and bisexuals in the same way(Camperio Ciani,Iemmola,&Blecher,2008).The results of this research strongly confirm the existence of biological factors previously suggested to partly explain male homosexuality.These results, if confirmed,would provide thefinal solution to the Darwinian paradox by showing that there are reproductive advantages that balance thefitness loss of male homosexuals.The idea is a sexually antagonistic genetic model that promotes fecundity in females and homosexual orientation in males.Thefirst indirect confirmations are coming.An interesting study confirmed that homosexual families are significantly larger,compared with those of heterosexuals,but this applies only in white families and not black families(Q.Rahman,per-sonal communication,2006;Rahman et al.,2008).King et al. (2005)showed that homosexuals have larger families com-pared with heterosexuals irrespective of the paternal line and maternal line.The fecundity increase of homosexual’s mothers is further confirmed in a non-Western society(Vasey& VanderLaan2007).Furthermore,a number of studies have found that homosexuals have more older brothers than het-erosexuals(Blanchard,2004;Blanchard&Klassen,1997).As suggested by the results of Blanchard and Lippa(2007), the study by Camperio Ciani et al.(2004)needs replication on a wider sample with a larger geographic distribution tofind if the higher fecundity in homosexual’s female relatives really exists and if it is unique to the maternal line,or is found in both lines,as hypothesized by King et al.(2005).MethodParticipantsWe recruited250probands,according to the following inclu-sion criteria:male sex,age over18years,and not adopted.In this study,we used the same sampling method and the same questionnaires and data analysis as in the previous study by Camperio Ciani et al.(2004).There were98heterosexual probands and152homosexual probands.Participants were recruited in the following locations:of the152homosexual probands,40were recruited at beaches and seaside resorts,25among working hotel employees and vacationers,39in bars and night clubs,28in gay clubs,15at university institutes,and5in gyms;of the98heterosexual participants,20were recruited in beaches and seaside resorts, 15among working hotel employees and vacationers,11in bars and night clubs,25in football clubs,25at university institutes,and2in gyms.Since many participants were rec-ruited in holiday locations,the participants came from all over Italy,although with a majority from Northern Italy.All social and demographic variables in the two groups had very similar values:the minimum age was18and maximum age was63years old for both groups.The98heterosexual probands had an average age of32.51years(SD=8.85), and the152homosexual probands had an average age of 32.34years(SD=9.56).Homosexuals were more frequently not married(90%) compared with heterosexuals(58%).Most participants from both groups came from central north Italy:Veneto(44%), Toscana(13%),Lombardia(10%),and Liguria(9%).The most common academic degree was high school(heterosexuals, 62%;homosexuals,56%),followed by college(heterosexuals, 23%;homosexuals,32%).Most participants in both groups were either students or employed workers.ProcedureConsidering the locations of recruitment and in order to reduce the probability of refusal,in beaches and seaside resorts,in bars and night clubs,university,and gyms,the approach was generally made towards participants caught in moments of temporary inactivity and relaxation.Once the availability of the participant was confirmed, the questionnaire and a pen were personally handed over123with the instruction to complete every part of it within approximately ten minutes(time estimated to be sufficient for its completion),at the end of which the questionnaire was collected.The same procedure was used for participants contacted in clubs or recruited at work(employees,etc.). Responses from probands were considered reliable for the following reasons.Questions were identical to the previous study by Camperio Ciani et al.(2004),which was validated through a pre-test.All questions were simple,only regarding close relatives(parents,grandparents,number of brothers, sisters,uncles,aunts,and cousins)and questions were again tested for their intelligibility through a pre-test in the present study.To further increase comprehension,researchers expl-ained personally all the details of the questionnaire and were always present nearby ready to clarify any doubt. MeasureThe investigation tool used was the self-administrated ques-tionnaire.This included a cover letter with general informa-tion on the purposes of the research and a brief presentation of the following sections of the questionnaire.There were three sections:1.Biographical information(seven questions):age,regionof birth,region of actual domicile,highest academic degree,profession,marital status,and birth order.2.The Kinsey scale(Kinsey,Pomeroy,&Martin,1948),torecord the self-identification of the proband on a7-point scale(0=exclusively heterosexual to6=exclusively homosexual),and all four other classic sexual orienta-tion questions on a7-point scale,included in the Kinsey questionnaire(Table1).3.In the last section,we investigated fecundity as number oflive-born offspring ever produced.There werefive ques-tions that investigated quantitatively the number and fecundity of the maternal and paternal relatives of the pro-band as parents,grandparents,uncles,aunts,brothers, sisters,and cousins.Half of the probands were asked informationfirst about the maternal line and the other half were askedfirst about paternal lineage,in order to avoid sequential systematic errors.Classification of ProbandsEach proband answered each of four questionnaire items about their sexual orientation by endorsing one of seven ordered response options(maximally heterosexual to max-imally homosexual)modelled on the Kinsey scale(Kinsey et al.,1948).Each proband was rated according to the score obtained by averaging his responses to these four items. Sexual orientation is a continuum;however,for our research purposes we had to classify probands into two classes, homosexuals and heterosexuals.We defined as heterosex-uals all those probands with average Kinsey scores between 0and1.We defined as homosexuals all those probands with average Kinsey scores between2and6(in this study,we did not differentiate between possible bisexuals and exclusive homosexual).These two classes were then subject to sta-tistical analysis.After determining that the two groups did not differ on any social or demographic variable,we then calculated the average fecundity of all classes of relatives included in three ascending generations for each proband. ResultsFecundityWhen we compared fecundity between the heterosexual and homosexual probands,a significant difference appeared. The heterosexuals had an average of0.58children(SD= 0.91)and the homosexuals had an average of0.12children (SD=0.49),p\.01,Mann–Whitney test.Table2presents the results of this study.It shows that the increase of fecundity in the maternal line of the homosexual males was confirmed.The p-values reported in this table were computed with the Mann–Whitney test,in order to make the Table1Kinsey scale definitions and related key questions0Completely heterosexual1Predominantly heterosexual but occasionally(rarely)attracted to other men2Heterosexual but also attracted by men more than occasionally3Completely bisexual,interested both in men and women4Homosexual but also attracted by women more than occasionally 5Predominantly homosexual but occasionally(rarely)attracted to women6Completely homosexual(1)How would you define yourselfaccording to the Kinsey scale,shown above0123456Answer the following questions by choosing a score between0and6 where0is‘‘always and only women’’and6is‘‘always and only men’’(2)If,at a party,you were to desirea sexual relationship,which sexof partner would you choose?0123456(3)When you fantasize sexualintercourse,what is the sex ofyour partner?0123456(4)In the last year,what was the sexof your sexual partners?0123456(5)In the lastfive years of your life,what was the sex of your sexualpartners?0123456123present results directly comparable to those of Camperio Ciani et al.(2004).Our data showed that the fecundity of mothers, includingfirstborn mothers,maternal aunts,and also the cumulated fecundity(of mothers,aunts and uncles in the maternal line)was significantly greater than that found for the corresponding maternal heterosexual classes.The fecundity of the father was excluded from the paternal line because it overlaps with that of the mother.This protocol replicates the previous one where Camperio Ciani et al.(2004)were searching for possible fecundity effects of the X-chromosome. In sons,this chromosome is transmitted by the mother and not by the father.The difference in fecundity in maternal grand-parents in this study was marginally significant(p=.09). Most importantly,the significant fecundity increase was found again only in the maternal line.All paternal line dif-ferences between homosexuals and heterosexuals were not significant,except for the fecundity of uncles,which was opposite in direction to the general trend,being lower in homosexuals than in heterosexuals,p\.05.Birth OrderIn this study,we once again confirmed an excess of older brothers compared with older sisters in the sibships of homo-sexual men[observed:97older brothers,69older sisters; expected(based on the known human sex ratio of106males for every100females born):85.4older brothers and80.6 older sisters,p\.04,one-tailed binomial test].Furthermore,the homosexuals had a significant greater number of older brothers(M=0.64,SD=0.85)compared with the heterosexuals(M=0.27,SD=0.55),t(248)= 3.82,p\.001,two-tailed.Mean numbers of older sisters,younger brothers,and younger sisters did not differ between the homosexuals and the heterosexuals.DiscussionThis study used a new,larger,and more representative sample.The probands had a nationwide distribution,and not a regional one like the previous study by Camperio Ciani et al.(2004).Furthermore,the probands were recruited in more diverse locations and situations,allowing a much larger variety of homosexuals to be recruited.The results reconfirmed the thesis of genetic factors that,in terms of inclusivefitness,would produce a balance between the low directfitness of male homosexuals and the increase of fitness in their maternal female relatives,as expected in a partially sexually antagonistic genetic model of inheritance.Our data showed that the homosexuals had sired,at this stage of their reproductive lives,about onefifth of the off-spring produced by the heterosexuals,thus confirming a strongly reducedfitness as previous described by Moran (1972)and Bell and Weinberg(1978).It should be noted this result was particularly significant because our heterosexual sample was especially low in fertility.One reason is that the heterosexuals were still young(although the homosexuals had the same average age).The second and most important reason is the constraint imposed by our sampling strategy.We needed to recruit the heterosexual controls in exactly the same manner as the homosexual probands;we never recruited homosexuals in family environments;therefore,we never recruited het-erosexuals in family environments either.Thus,we over-sampled not yet married heterosexuals.Table2Maternal line and paternal line fecundity comparison between the two sexual orientation groupsClass of relatives Likelihood of sharingX-chromosome Homosexuals HeterosexualsN AveragefecunditySD N AveragefecunditySD pMothers1152 2.73 1.4698 2.07 1.08.001 Mothers offirst borns155 1.780.6956 1.540.81.02 Maternal aunts0.75121 1.96 1.0662 1.430.98.001 Maternal uncles0.2588 1.900.9866 1.770.78n.s. Maternal grandparents0.5149 3.62 1.5797 3.28 1.65.09 Sons and daughters of maternal grandparents a0.25–1361 2.190.91226 1.720.69.001 Paternal aunts096 1.860.9359 1.74 1.06n.s Paternal uncles085 1.75 1.2049 2.000.93.05 Paternal grandparents0146 3.16 1.5295 2.85 1.25n.s. Sons and daughters of paternal grandparents(excluding father)b0181 1.780.85108 1.840.84n.s.a Cumulated fecundity of mothers,maternal aunts,and maternal unclesb Cumulated fecundity of paternal aunts and paternal uncles123In this study,a clear difference emerged in the average fecundity of the female relatives in the maternal line of homo-sexuals,a difference that was even more marked and signifi-cant than in the previous one.In particular,we found not only differences in mothers and maternal aunts,but also in the cumu-lated fecundity of maternal females and in the mothers offirst-borns.Thesefindings in Camperio Ciani et al.(2004)were not so clear.These results confirm once again that fecundity was sig-nificantly higher only in the maternal line.This is somehow in conflict with the study of King et al.(2005),who found larger family size in homosexuals,irrespective of the paternal or maternal line.This requires some comment.The results of King et al.(2005)were based on a rather large sample;how-ever,sampling procedures are particularly delicate and need special attention.We have discussed elsewhere the possibility that homosexuals might appear more frequently in large families,as a sampling artefact(Camperio Ciani et al.,2004). That is because the families included in sexual orientation studies derive from selected probands,in this case with the homosexual trait,and homosexuality is a relatively rare trait compared to heterosexuality.This might favor the overrepre-sentation of large families for the rarest trait population(homo-sexuals).This phenomenon is referred to as‘‘small population sampling bias.’’This bias is avoided by comparing groups who face equal obstacles in entering the study(Camperio Ciani et al.,2004;Spreen&Marius,1992;Watters&Biernacki, 1989).However,this bias does not account for why the high fecundity was limited to the maternal line and not in the pat-ernal one,as in our case.In our study,the paternal relatives of homosexuals and heterosexuals showed no differences in fecundity with only one exception(the lower fecundity in the paternal uncles of the homosexual group),and that result was contrary to thefindings of King et al.(2005).A possible reason why the pattern of results obtained by King et al.(2005)differs from that obta-ined by the present writers relates to how paternal and maternal family size was calculated in King et al.(2005).Furthermore, in our work we followed the protocol of tracking fecundity effects linked to the X-chromosome by limiting comparisons to classes of relatives who were homogeneous in their prob-ability of sharing the X-chromosome with the proband.In con-trast,King et al.(2005)compared classes of relatives of mixed sexes without distinguishing the X-chromosome provenance. As an example,King et al.(2005)included brothers and sisters both in paternal and maternal family sizes.These classes how-ever,received the X-chromosome only from the maternal line and not from the paternal one.Hence,these classes should not be included in the paternal line,otherwise they might overes-timate paternal contribution.Excluding family size,King et al.(2005)reported just a marginally higher number of pater-nal cousins of homosexuals compared with heterosexuals(M= 6.0,SD=6.3vs.M=5.1,SD=6.0)and a significantly higher number of paternal uncles and aunts of homosexuals (M=3.0,SD=2.3vs.M=2.6,SD=2.3).Neither of these results,which would falsify our hypothe-sis,was confirmed in our completed studies(Camperio Ciani et al.,2004;the present study)or in forthcoming studies (Camperio Ciani,Cermelli,&Zanzotto,2008;Camperio Ciani,Iemmola,&Lombardi,2008).Further studies will definitively clarify this crucial point,because our data support a sexually antagonistic hypothesis partly connected to the X-chromosome,whereas the data of King et al.(2005)sug-gest an over-dominance hypothesis,whereby autosomal factors that promote fecundity might result in promoting homosexuality if overrepresented(Gavrilets&Rice,2006). Only testing the prediction of the two different genetic models against the empirical data collected to date will definitively resolve who gave the correct interpretation.A higher fecundity in homosexuals’mothers is also indi-rectly suggested by the immunological hypothesis of Blan-chard,which predicts a higher number of older brothers in the sibships of homosexuals.Indirectly,because Blanchard never suggested it,but in an extremely low fecundity population such as the Italian one the fact of having at least an older brother is already an indication of having a larger family than average(Blanchard,1997,2004;Blanchard&Lippa,2007). Blanchard’s predictions were also confirmed in our study:we found that the homosexuals had an excess of older brothers compared with their own number of older sisters and com-pared with the heterosexuals’number of older brothers.The homosexual and heterosexual groups did not differ with regard to the other three classes of siblings.Our study found something more,however,because Blan-chard’s hypothesis predicts neither an increase of fecundity in maternal aunts of homosexual probands(who,by the way,only occasionally have homosexual sons;Camperio Ciani et al., 2004)nor an increased fecundity in mothers who have a homosexual son as theirfirstborn child(and who,by definition, can produce only younger brothers and younger sisters of the homosexual son).These facts can be explained only by the hypothesis of genetic factors transmitted in the maternal line (at least partly through the X-chromosome).These factors show different effects in their carriers:when present in a female,they would promote fecundity;when present in a male, they would influence sexual orientation toward homosexual-ity.However,homosexuality is not only influenced by these, yet unidentified,factors that promote fecundity in mothers and maternal aunts,but it is also definitely facilitated by the birth of older brothers,as found by Blanchard(1997,2004).Gavrilets and Rice(2006)analyzed a number of genetic models to understand the location of candidate genes pro-moting homosexuality.They compared single locus models based on sexually antagonistic selection,over-dominance, maternal effect,and genomic imprinting with a series of empirical researches(Blanchard,2004;Camperio Ciani et al.,1232004;King et al.,2005;Mustansky et al.,2005).The results showed that under the random mating assumption a few single locus models are virtually possible,but highly unstable.This means that with small variation of female or male fecundity, the genetic factors promoting male homosexuality can rapidly disappear or reach completefixation in the population.Such results were reviewed by Savolainen and Lehmann(2007)and widely quoted in the press,which suggested that in the near future male bisexuality might rapidly grow in the population. We believe,on the contrary,that these single locus models are inadequate,and the instability they show is the consequence of this fact.Homosexuality has always been present in practically all human populations,under extremely variable fecundity and social conditions,always at relative low frequency.We do not see why it should just now explode or disappear.We hence believe that a multilocus model might be much more adequate to explain the transmission of male homosexuality,and our laboratory is working on this(Camperio Ciani et al.,2008).In conclusion,if these results can be replicated elsewhere, perhaps in a non-Italian sample,this will suggest the existence of genetic factors transmitted through the maternal line that both increase the probability of becoming homosexual in males and promote fecundity in females(sexually antago-nistic selection).The genetic one is not,however,the only explanation for sexual orientation variety;other physiological and environ-mental effects contribute.As in most aspects of human nature, the behavioral phenotype of homosexual orientation should be the result of the interactions of innate factors and experience before and during the lifetime(Churchill,1967;Enquist, Ghirlanda,Wachtmeister,&Lundqvist,2002). 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