28.the extinction of dinosaurs蒋承洲

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托福阅读备考之长难句分析：消失的化石记录Many plants and animals disappear abruptly from the fossil record as one moves from layers of rock documenting the end of the Cretaceous up into rocks representing the beginning of the Cenozoic (the era after the Mesozoic). (TPO 8 E某tinction of the Dinosaurs) 句子分析本句的主句是Many plants and animals disappear abruptly from the fossil record，而as引导的是时间状语从句，表示“随着……〞。

在这个时间状语从句中，documenting和representing都是现在分词作后置定语，分别修饰前面的layers of rock和rocks。

词汇精记the Cretaceous指的是“白垩纪〞，是中生代的一个纪。

在这个时期里，大陆之间被海洋分开，地球变得温暖、干旱，于此同时，许多新的恐龙物种也开始出现。

the Cenozoic指的是“新生代〞，是地球历史上最新的一个地质时代。

随着恐龙的灭绝，中生代结束，新生代开始。

这一时期以哺乳动物和被子植物的高度繁盛为特点。

The Mesozoic就是“新生代之前的中生代时期〞。

abruptly作副词，表示“突然地〞，比方：It had never occurred to her that a new possibility would crop up abruptly. 她万万没有想到会突然出现一种新的可能性。

The Extinction of the Dinosaursmillion years ago) and the Paleocene period (65..C55 million years ago) in part by the types and amounts of rocks and fossils they contain or lack. Before the limit of 65 million years ago，marine2.strata are rich in calcium carbonate due to accumulations of fossils of microscopic algaedeposited on the sea floor. Above the 65-million-year limit，sea-floor sediments contain much less calcium carbonate ，and fossils of several families of mollusks are no longer found.In continental sediments ，dinosaur fossils ，though frequent before 65 million years ago ，are totally absent. By3.contrast，new families of mammals appear，including large mammals for the first time.Scientists wondered for many years about what could have caused the dinosaurs' rapiddisappearance at the end of the Cretaceous period，coming up with a great variety of theories and scenarios. For some, it could have been due to unfavorable genetic changes triggered bya dramatic increaseby a factor of 10，100，1，000 in cosmic-ray particles reaching the Earthafter a supernova explosion somewhere in the neighborhood of the solar system. For these high-energy particles to affect life，they would have to get through the protective barrier of the Earth's magnetosphere ，the region of the upper atmosphere controlled by Earth'smagnetic field. That could have happened if the cloud of particles from the supernovaexplosion reached the Earth during a period when the magnetosphere was weakened ，something that may happen when the Earth's magnetic field changes direction. And we know that the magnetic north and south poles of the Earth switch on the average twice everymillion years. However，this is not the only possible explanation for dinosaur destruction . 4.Other theories have raised the possibility of strong climate changes in the tropics (but theythen must be explained) . Certainly，if climate changes，the changed distributions oftemperature and rainfall modify the conditions that favor one ecosystem over another. The extinction of a particular family，genus，or species may result from a complicated chain of indirect causes and effects. Over thirty years ago ，scientist Carl Sagan quoted onesuggestion that the demise of the dinosaurs resulted from the disappearance of a species of fern plant that was important for dinosaur digestion. Other theories involved a worldwidecold wave following the spread of a layer of cold but not very salty water in the world'soceans ，which floated on the surface because，with its low salinity，the water was less dense.5.Proponents of another theory that remains under consideration today postulate that theextinction of the dinosaurs corresponds to a period of intense volcanic activity. It's not a question of just one or even of a thousand eruptions comparable to the explosion of Krakatoa in 1883，one of the largest volcanic events in modern times ，but rather of a prolonged period of activity. On the Deccan plateau in India，basalt (volcanic) rocks cover more than 500，000 square kilometers (nearly 200，000 square miles)，and correspond to massive lava outflows occurring precisely at the end of the Cretaceous. This sort of outflow could correspond tovolcanic activity similar to the activity that drives sea-floor spreading ，with lava emerging from elongated fractures in the crust rather than from craters.6.The volcanic convulsion that buried the Deccan plateau in lava must also have changed thecomposition of the atmosphere and severely affected climate. Initially，there must have been strong sudden cooling resulting from the blocking of sunlight by sulfate aerosol veils in thestratosphere (part of the Earth's atmosphere). If strong cooling lasted a year after the formation of the aerosols ， it would have been the death of tropical species unable to adapt to such a volcanic winter. 7. However ，a long period of strong volcanic activity (again ，remember thousands of Krakatoas) would at the same time have added a substantial amount of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere ， reinforcing the greenhouse effect. This would gradually warm things up ，ending the extended cold snap and producing global warming together with geographic shifts of humid and arid (dry) zones. Certainly things would change to upset living conditions ，leading to the extinction of some species while others would profit ，if only from the disappearance of predators. 1..According to paragraph 1，which of the following is true of Paleocene sediments A. They lack fossils from some families of mammals found in Cretaceous sediments. B. They contain fossils of dinosaurs. C. They contain fossils of some animals that did not exist during the Cretaceous. D. They contain fossils of more kinds of mollusks than are found in Cretaceous sediments. 2..The word unfavorable in the passage is closest in meaning to A. Unusual B. Disadvantageous C. Sudden D. major 3..The word triggered in the passage is closest in meaning to A. initiated B. intensifie C. followed D. aided 4..Why does the author include the information that the magnetic north and south poles of the Earth switch on the average twice every million years A. To provide evidence showing that Earth's protective barrier is difficult to get through B. To show that it is reasonable to think that particles from a supernova explosion could have reached Earth C. To explain why some scientists believe a supernova explosion may have occurred near our solar system D. To help explain why some scientists have rejected the theory presented in paragraph 2 5..According to the theory discussed in paragraph 2，a weakening of Earth's magnetosphere may haveA. caused a supernova to explode near our solar systemcBBBBB. allowed gene-altering particles to reach Earth's surfaceC. forced Earth's magnetic field to change directionD. allowed clouds of protective particles to escape from Earth's upper atmosphere 6..AII of the following are mentioned in paragraph 3 as possible causes for the extinction of the dinosaurs EXCEPT A. a change in the diet of dinosaurs B. a change in the climate of the tropics C. a decrease in global temperatures D. a decrease in deep ocean salinity 7..ln paragraph 3，why does the author include the quotation by Carl Sagan A. To explain the connection between dinosaur extinction and the extinction of other animal species B. To support the claim about species extinction being due to indirect causes and effects C. To show that scientists have revised their ideas greatly in the last thirty years D. To identify the differences between the various theories for the extinction of dinosaurs 8..According to paragraph 4，what was one unusual aspect of the volcanic activity at the end of the Cretaceous A. Some explosions were much larger than Krakatoa. B. Eruptions occurred over a long period of time . C. Active volcanoes were sometimes separated by many kilometers. D. There were active volcanoes in the sea as well as on land. 9..Which of the following is presented in paragraph 4 as evidence that intense volcanic activity occurred at about the time that the dinosaurs became extinct A. The size of the volcanic craters on the Deccan plateau B. An increase in sea-floor spreading C. The formation in India of large amounts of a type of rock associated with volcanoes D. The occurrence of a thousand or more volcanic explosions the size of Krakatoa 10..The word severely in the passage is closest in meaning to A. certainly B. consequently C. greatly D. permanently11..The word reinforcing in the passage is closest in meaning toA. making possible A9iu ˇBDBcDB. spreadingC. introducingD. strengthening 12..According to paragraph 5，all of the following are theorized to have occurred as a result of volcanic activity EXCEPTA. a decrease in the amount of sunlight reaching Earth's surfaceB. a reduction in the number of sulfate aerosol veils in the stratosphereC. increased dryness in some areas that were once more humidD. changes in the atmosphere's composition resulting in an increase in temperature13.. Look at the four squares that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.Thus ，ecosystems following periods of extensive volcanic activity necessarily had different combinations of species than earlier ecosystems did.Where would the sentence best fit Click on a square to add the sentence to the passage.14.. Drag your choices to the spaces where they belong. To review the passage ，click on View Text Answer ChoicesA. Cosmic rays from a nearby supernova explosion may have penetrated Earth's atmosphere ，causing genetic changes that dinosaur populations could not survive.B. Climate changes in the tropics may have set off a chain of indirect effects that negativelyaffected the ecosystems in which dinosaurs lived.C. The spread of lava over large pa 同s of previously favored habitats such as the DeccanPlateau may have made these favored areas uninhabitable for many years.D. Although the volcanic winter resulting from the formation of sulfate aerosols eventuallyended ，temperatures may have remained below levels required by dinosaurs to survive.E. Temperature changes and geographic shifts in climate zones due to the atmospheric effects ofvolcanic activity may have been significant enough to cause extinction.F. To be convincing ，theories about what caused dinosaurs to become extinct must be able toexplain the disappearance of other predators in the food chain at the same time BE A DB。

新托福TPO8阅读原文(二):Extinction of the DinosaursTPO-8-2：Extinction of the DinosaursPaleontologists have argued for a long time that the demise of the dinosaurs was caused by climatic alterations associated with slow changes in the positions of continents and seas resulting from plate tectonics. Off and on throughout the Cretaceous (the last period of the Mesozoic era, during which dinosaurs flourished), large shallow seas covered extensive areas of the continents. Data from diverse sources, including geochemical evidence preserved in seafloor sediments, indicate that the Late Cretaceous climate was milder than today’s. The days were not too hot, nor the nights too cold. The summers were not too warm, nor the winters too frigid. The shallow seas on the continents probably buffered the temperature of the nearby air, keeping it relatively constant.At the end of the Cretaceous, the geological record shows that these seaways retreated from the continents back into the major ocean basins. No one knows why. Over a period of about 100,000 years, while the seas pulled back, climates around the world became dramatically more extreme: warmer days, cooler nights; hotter summers, colder winters. Perhaps dinosaurs could not tolerate these extreme temperature changes and became extinct.If true, though, why did cold-blooded animals such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles survive the freezing winters and torrid summers? These animals are at the mercy of the climate to maintain a livable body temperature. It’s hard to understand why they would not be affected, whereas dinosaurs were left too crippled to cope, especially if, as some scientists believe, dinosaurs were warm-blooded. Critics also point out that the shallow seaways had retreated from and advanced on the continents numerous times during the Mesozoic, so why did the dinosaurs survive the climatic changes associated with the earlier fluctuations but not with this one? Althoughinitially appealing, the hypothesis of a simple climatic change related to sea levels is insufficient to explain all the data.Dissatisfaction with conventional explanations for dinosaur extinctions led to a surprising observation that, in turn, has suggested a new hypothesis. Many plants and animals disappear abruptly from the fossil record as one moves from layers of rock documenting the end of the Cretaceous up into rocks representing the beginning of the Cenozoic (the era after the Mesozoic). Between the last layer of Cretaceous rock and the first layer of Cenozoic rock, there is often a thin layer of clay. Scientists felt that they could get an idea of how long the extinctions took by determining how long it took to deposit this one centimeter of clay and they thought they could determine the time it took to deposit the clay by determining the amount of the element iridium (Ir) it contained.Ir has not been common at Earth’s since the very beginning of the planet’s history. Because it usually exists in a metallic state, it was preferentially incorporated in Earth’s core as the planet cooled and consolidated. Ir is found in high concentrations in some meteorites, in which the solar system’s original chemical composition is preserved. Even today, microscopic meteorites continually bombard Earth, falling on both land and sea. By measuring how many of these meteorites fall to Earth over a given period of time, scientists can estimate how long it might have taken to deposit the observed amount of Ir in the boundary clay. These calculations suggest that a period of about one million years would have been required. However, other reliable evidence suggests that the deposition of the boundary clay could not have taken one million years. So the unusually high concentration of Ir seems to require a special explanation.In view of these facts, scientists hypothesized that a single large asteroid, about 10 to 15 kilometers across, collided with Earth, and the resulting fallout created the boundary clay. Their calculations show that the impact kicked up a dust cloud that cut off sunlight for several months, inhibiting photosynthesis in plants; decreased surfacetemperatures on continents to below freezing; caused extreme episodes of acid rain; and significantly raised long-term global temperatures through the greenhouse effect. This disruption of food chain and climate would have eradicated the dinosaurs and other organisms in less than fifty years.译文：TPO-8-2 恐龙的灭绝很长时间以来，古生物学家们认为恐龙的灭亡是与因地质构造而引起的海洋和大陆位置变迁相关的气候变化所致。

The evolution of dinosaurs is a fascinating subject that has captured the imagination of scientists and enthusiasts alike. Dinosaurs first appeared during the Mesozoic Era, which is often referred to as the Age of Reptiles. This era is divided into three periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.The early dinosaurs of the Triassic Period were relatively small, bipedal creatures. They evolved from a group of reptiles known as thecodonts. Over millions of years, these early dinosaurs diversified into a wide variety of species, each adapted to different environments and ecological niches.During the Jurassic Period, dinosaurs reached their peak in terms of diversity and dominance. Herbivorous dinosaurs like the longnecked sauropods, such as Apatosaurus and Diplodocus, roamed the land, while carnivorous dinosaurs like the fearsome Allosaurus and the smaller, agile Velociraptor hunted them. This period also saw the emergence of the first birds, which evolved from small, feathered dinosaurs.The Cretaceous Period marked the final chapter in the history of dinosaurs. This era was characterized by the rise of large, armored herbivores like Ankylosaurus and the massive, carnivorous Tyrannosaurus rex. However, it was also during this period that a catastrophic event occurred, leading to the extinction of all nonavian dinosaurs around 65 million years ago.The exact cause of the dinosaur extinction remains a topic of debate among scientists. The most widely accepted theory is that a massive asteroid impact, combined with volcanic activity, led to a dramatic change in the climate and the collapse of ecosystems, ultimately causing the demise of the dinosaurs.Despite their extinction, the legacy of dinosaurs lives on in the form of birds, which are considered to be the descendants of a group of twolegged dinosaurs known as theropods. Additionally, the study of dinosaur fossils has provided valuable insights into the history of life on Earth and the processes of evolution and adaptation.In conclusion, the evolution of dinosaurs is a captivating journey through time, showcasing the incredible diversity and adaptability of these prehistoric creatures. Their story is a testament to the power of natural selection and the everchanging nature of our planet.。

高中英语文学体裁单选题80题(含答案)1.Which of the following is a characteristic of lyric poetry?A. Tells a long narrative storyB. Focuses on a single emotional momentC. Describes historical events in detailD. Presents arguments and debates答案：B。

解析：抒情诗的特点是聚焦于单一的情感瞬间。

选项A 是叙事诗的特点；选项C 更倾向于史诗的特点；选项D 不是诗歌常见的主要特点。

2.Poetry that uses regular rhyme and meter is called:A. Free verse poetryB. Blank verse poetryC. Sonnet poetryD. Rhymed poetry答案：D。

解析：使用有规律的押韵和格律的诗歌被称为押韵诗。

选项 A 自由诗不强调押韵和格律；选项 B 无韵诗虽有格律但不押韵；选项C 十四行诗只是一种特定形式的诗歌，不一定是所有押韵有格律的诗歌都叫十四行诗。

3.Which poet is known for his use of imagism in poetry?A. William WordsworthB. T.S. EliotC. Ezra PoundD. Robert Frost答案：C。

解析：埃兹拉·庞德以意象派诗歌闻名。

威廉·华兹华斯是浪漫主义诗人；T.S.艾略特的诗歌风格较为复杂多样但不是以意象派闻名；罗伯特·弗罗斯特是自然主义诗人。

4.The form of poetry that consists of three lines with a specific syllable count is:A. HaikuB. SonnetC. LimerickD. Ballad答案：A。

我读了一本好书《西游记》的英语全文共3篇示例，供读者参考篇1My Experience Reading the Classic Novel "Journey to the West"Have you ever read a book that left a lasting impression on you, one that transported you to a different world filled with adventure, challenges, and life lessons? For me, that book was the renowned Chinese classic "Journey to the West" by Wu Cheng'en. As a student of literature and an avid reader, I was captivated by this epic tale from the moment I cracked open its pages.Initially, the sheer length of the novel – spanning one hundred chapters – seemed daunting. However, as I delved into the story, I found myself eagerly turning the pages, unable to resist the allure of the extraordinary journey undertaken by the legendary Xuanzang and his three formidable disciples: Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing.The novel's rich tapestry of characters immediately drew me in. Sun Wukong, the mischievous and powerful Monkey King,with his unwavering loyalty and unbreakable spirit, quickly became my favorite. His rebellious nature, coupled with his unwavering determination to protect Xuanzang, made him a captivating figure. I found myself rooting for him as he faced countless trials and tribulations, from battling fearsome demons to overcoming his own impulsive tendencies.Xuanzang, the humble Buddhist monk, embodied the virtues of perseverance, faith, and compassion. His unwavering dedication to his spiritual quest, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles, was truly inspiring. As I journeyed alongside him, I gained a deeper appreciation for the power of resilience and the importance of maintaining a steadfast commitment to one's goals.The novel's rich symbolism and allegories also resonated deeply with me. The perilous journey to the Western Paradise, fraught with demons and challenges, served as a metaphor for the human condition – our constant struggle against temptations, doubts, and inner demons. Each character represented a different facet of the human experience, from the impulsive and reckless Sun Wukong to the disciplined and faithful Xuanzang.As a student, I found myself drawing parallels between the novel's themes and my own life experiences. The characters' struggles with self-discipline, temptation, and personal growth mirrored the challenges I faced in my academic pursuits and personal development. Through their triumphs and failures, I learned valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance, self-control, and the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.Beyond the captivating characters and profound themes, I was enchanted by the novel's vivid descriptions of the fantastical realms and mythical creatures encountered along the journey. Wu Cheng'en's imaginative world-building transported me to a realm where the lines between reality and fiction blurred, igniting my imagination and fueling my sense of wonder.As I neared the end of the novel, I found myself reluctant to part ways with these beloved characters. Their journey had become an integral part of my own, and I felt a sense of sadness knowing that their adventures would soon come to a close. However, the novel's profound impact on me remained, leaving an indelible mark on my understanding of life, perseverance, and the human spirit.In retrospect, reading "Journey to the West" was more than just an literary experience; it was a transformative journey initself. The novel's timeless themes and captivating storytelling have cemented its place as a literary masterpiece, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with readers across generations.As a student, I am grateful for the opportunity to have embarked on this extraordinary journey. The lessons I gleaned from the novel's pages have shaped my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the richness of Chinese literature and culture. Whether you are a student, a lover of adventure, or simply someone seeking profound wisdom, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the world of "Journey to the West." For within its pages, you will find a treasure trove of inspiration, wisdom, and a celebration of the indomitable human spirit.篇2I Read an Awesome Book - "Journey to the West"Hey there! I'm so excited to share about this amazing book I just finished reading called "Journey to the West." It's this epic Chinese novel from the 16th century that tells the wildly imaginative story of a Buddhist monk's pilgrimage to India to obtain sacred texts. But get this - the monk has these crazy powerful supernatural protectors that travel with him and getinto all sorts of mischief and battles along the way. It's like Lord of the Rings meets The Avengers, but a thousand years earlier!To give you some background, the book was written by Wu Cheng'en during the Ming Dynasty. It draws from ancient folk tales and Buddhist mythology to create this allegorical adventure that touches on themes of perseverance, virtue, violence, and spiritual enlightenment. Heady stuff for what seems at first like a wacky fantasy romp, right? But that's part of what makes it so genius.The story centers around Xuanzang, a monk sent on a sacred quest by the Buddha to journey to the "western regions" and obtain Buddhist scriptures. Since the road is so treacherous, the Buddha assigns Xuanzang three supernatural protectors - Monkey King, Pigsy, and Sandy. From the start, this crew is totally dysfunctional in the most hilarious way.You've got Monkey King, who's basically a big troublemaker and constantly getting into brawls and causing chaos. He was born from a stone egg on a mountain and has mastered supernatural powers like cloud-riding and shape-shifting. With his confidence and swagger, he kind of reminds me of Tony Stark from the Marvel movies if Tony was a monkey instead of a billionaire genius.Then there's Pigsy, who used to be a spirit enslaved to a nasty river monster. He's honestly kind of gross with his love of food, booze, and ogling ladies. But he has this crazy powerful rake that can summon winds to fly, so he comes in clutch during fights. Sandy is the last protector, an actual篇3I Read an Awesome Book Called "Journey to the West"Hey everyone! I'm so excited to share my thoughts on this classic Chinese novel that I just finished reading called "Journey to the West." It's considered one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature, and let me tell you, it totally lives up to the hype!The story follows the legendary journey of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang as he travels from China to India to obtain sacred texts and bring them back home. But he's not alone on this epic quest - he's joined by three supernatural protectors who aid him along the way. There's the mischievous monkey king Sun Wukong, the kind-hearted pig monster Zhu Bajie, and the fearsome river monster Sha Wujing. Together, they face countless perils and demons determined to stop them at every turn.I have to start by talking about Sun Wukong because he's just the coolest character ever. This monkey was born from a stone egg on a mountain of flowers and fruits, gifted with incredible strength, speed, and magical abilities. He's arrogant and constantly gets into trouble, but also incredibly brave and loyal once he joins Xuanzang's crew. Some of the most entertaining parts are when he unleashes his insane powers to fend off demons and monsters trying to devour them. Seriously, this dude has a magic staff that can grow massive and shrink tiny, cloud-riding boots for flying, and he even rebels against Heaven at one point! An absolute legend.But the story isn't just a fun action-adventure romp. It's packed with deep Buddhist philosophy and religious teachings about attaining enlightenment and triumphing over one's own inner demons. Each member of Xuanzang's crew represents different flaws that humans must overcome, like greed, ignorance, and unrestrained desire. Their journey forces them to confront their vices through countless trials. There are so many profound yet simply stated truths, like "No blame can attach to the great bright mirror, when dirt accumulates on its surface" which seems to mean that our essential nature is pure but gets clouded by our earthly attachments and delusions.Speaking of profound, some of the craziest sequences happen when they enter these surreal Buddhist realms inhabited by immortals, celestial beings, and monsters beyond imagination. There's one part where Wukong ascends to the highest heaven and gets to see the cosmic workings of the universe laid bare before his eyes. The author's imagination was off the charts!I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but the ending where they finally make it to India after overcoming a demonic army that pursues them across oceans and celestial kingdoms is just so satisfying and uplifting. You can feel Xuanzang's joy and spiritual fulfillment wash over you when he attains the sutras he sought. And the way the pilgrims attain Buddhahood for their efforts is such a rewarding payoff.But the book isn't just about the epic quest - it's also absolutely hilarious in parts. The banter and fighting between Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing had me cracking up constantly. Bajie is basically this lazy couch potato who only wants to eat and sleep, so whenever he has to lift a finger it's comedy gold. Wujing is so righteous and easily annoyed by the other two's antics. Their dynamics are pure reality TV show levels of entertainment. I loved their nicknames for each other too, like"Pious Ape" or "Friar Sand" or "Bacon Monger." The author must have had such a sharp, playful wit.In terms of criticisms, I guess the only thing is that it does get a bit long-winded and slow at times when it's just long stretches of Xuanzang reciting Buddhist scriptures or monologuing about enlightenment. As a pretty impatient modern reader, I gotta admit my mind started to wander a bit during those parts. But hey, religious texts were kind of the whole point of the journey so I can't fault the novel too much.Overall, Journey to the West is an absolute masterpiece that blew my mind on multiple levels. It's an action-packed magical fantasy filled with riotous humor, but it's also this deeply philosophical and culturally important exploration of Buddhist beliefs and the search for spiritual enlightenment. Theworld-building is richly imaginative and filled with vivid monsters and celestial realms. The characters are unforgettable, from the egotistical yet heroic Monkey King to the humble yet unyielding Xuanzang persistently pursuing his quest.It's the kind of book that I can see myself rereading over and over again at different points in my life to uncover new philosophical insights and spiritual meaning. I feel like I leveled up as a person just by immersing myself in this sweeping epicthat captures the essence of Chinese mythology, folklore, and religious beliefs so poetically. It's a portal into ancient Chinese culture and a universally human story about striving, perseverance, and enlightenment all at once.If you're a fan of grand adventures, memorable characters, profound wisdom, or just pure imagination let loose on the page, then you owe it to yourself to experience the awesomeness of Journey to the West. This book is going to stick with me for a long, long time and I can't recommend it enough to anyone looking for a fun yet deeply meaningful read. Thanks for indulging me as I gushed about why I loved this novel so much - hopefully it inspires some of you to pick it up! Let me know if you decide to take the plunge down this iconic rabbit hole of Chinese literature.。

托福考试 复习托福阅读TPO8(试题+答案+译文)第2篇:Extinction of the Dinosaurs托福阅读原文Paleozoic Era 334 to 248 million years agoMesozoic Era 245 to 65 million years ago—Triassic Period—Jurassic Period—Cretaceous PeriodCenozoic Era 65 million years ago to thepresentPaleontologists have argued for a long timethat the demise of the dinosaurs was caused by climatic alterations associatedwith slow changes in the positions of continents and seas resulting from plate tectonics.Off and on throughout the Cretaceous (the last period of the Mesozoic era,during which dinosaurs flourished), large shallow seas covered extensive areasof the continents. Data from diverse sources, includinggeochemical evidencepreserved in seafloor sediments, indicate that the Late Cretaceous climate wasmilder than today’s. The days were not too hot, nor the nights too cold. Thesummers were not too warm, nor the winters too frigid. The shallow seas on thecontinents probably buffered the temperature of the nearby air, keeping itrelatively constant.At the end of the Cretaceous, thegeological record shows that these seaways retreated from the continents backinto the major ocean basins. No one knows why. Over a period of about 100,000 years,while the seas pulled back, climates around the world became dramatically moreextreme: warmer days, cooler nights; hotter summers, colder winters. Perhapsdinosaurs could not tolerate these extreme temperature changes and becameextinct.If true, though, why did cold-bloodedanimals such as snakes, lizards, turtles, an d crocodiles survive the freezing winter’sand torrid summers? These animals are at the mercy of the climate to maintain alivable body temperature. It’s hard to understand why they would not beaffected, whereas dinosaurs were left too crippled to cope, especially if, as somescientists believe, dinosaurs were warm-blooded. Critics also point out thatthe shallow seaways had retreated from and advanced on the continents numeroustimes during the Mesozoic, so why did thedinosaurs survive the climaticchanges associated with the earlier fluctuations but not with this one?Although initially appealing, the hypothesis of a simple climatic changerelated to sea levels is insufficient to explain all the data.Dissatisfaction with conventionalexplanations for dinosaur extinctions led to a surprising observation that, inturn, has suggested a new hypothesis. Many plants and animals disappearabruptly from the fossil record as one moves from layers of rock documentingthe end of the Cretaceous up into rocks representing the beginning of theCenozoic (the era after the Mesozoic). Between the last layer of Cretaceousrock and the first layer of Cenozoic rock, there is often a thin layer of clay.Scientists felt that they could get an idea of how long the extinctions took bydetermining how long it took to deposit this one centimeter of clay and theythought they could determine the time it took to deposit the clay bydetermining the amount of the element iridium (Ir) it contained.Ir has not been common at Earth’s since thevery beginni ng of the planet’s history. Because it usually exists in a metallicstate, it was preferentially incorporated in Earth’s core as the planet cooledand consolidated. Ir is found in high concentrations in some meteorites, inwhich the solar system’s original ch emical composition is preserved.Even today,microscopic meteorites continually bombard Earth, falling on both land and sea.By measuring how many of these meteorites fall to Earth over a given period oftime, scientists can estimate how long it might have taken to deposit theobserved amount of Ir in the boundary clay. These calculations suggest that aperiod of about one million years would have been required. However, otherreliable evidence suggests that the deposition of the boundary clay could nothave taken one million years. So the unusually high concentration of Ir seems torequire a special explanation.Inview of these facts, scientists hypothesized that a single large asteroid, about10 to 15 kilometers across, collided with Earth, and the resulting falloutcreated the boundary clay. Their calculations show that the impact kicked up adust cloud that cut off sunlight for several months, inhibiting photosynthesisin plants; decreased surface temperatures on continents to below freezing;caused extreme episodes of acid rain; and significantly raised long-term globaltemperatures through the greenhouse effect. This disruption of food chain andclimate would have eradicated the dinosaurs and other organisms in less thanfifty years.托福阅读试题1.According to paragraph 1, which of the following is true of the Late Cretaceous climate?A.Summers were very warm and winters werevery cold.B.Shallow seas on the continents causedfrequent temperature changes.C.The climate was very similar to today’sclimate.D.The climate did not change dramaticallyfrom season to season.2.Which of the following reasons issuggested in paragraph 2 for the extinction of the dinosaurs?A.Changes in the lengths of the days andnights during the late Cretaceous periodB.Droughts caused by the movement ofseaways back into the oceansC.The change from mild to severe climatesduring the Late Cretaceous periodD.An extreme decrease in the average yearlytemperature over 10,ooo years3.Why does the author mention the survivalof “snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles” in paragraph 3?A.To argue that dinosaurs may have becomeextinct because they were not cold-blooded animalsB.To question the adequacy of thehypothesis that climatic change related to sea levels caused the extinction ofthe dinosaursC.To present examples of animals that couldmaintain a livable body temperature more easily than dinosaursD.To support a hypothesis that theseanimals were not as sensitive to climate changes in the Cretaceous period asthey are today4.The word “cope” in the passage (paragraph3) is closest in meaning toA.adaptB.moveC.continuepete5.According to paragraph 3, which of the following is true of changes in climate before the Cretaceous period and theeffect of these changes on dinosaurs?A.Climate changes associated with themovement of seaways before the Cretaceous period did not cause dinosaurs tobecome extinct.B.Changes in climate before the Cretaceousperiod caused severe fluctuations in sea level, resulting in the extinction ofthe dinosaurs.C.Frequent changes in climate before theCretaceous period made dinosaurs better able to maintain a livable bodytemperature.D.Before the Cretaceous period there werefew changes in climate, and dinosaurs flourished.6.The word “fluctuations” in the passage(paragraph 3) is closest in meaning toA.extremesB.retreatsC.periodsD.variations7.Which of the sentences below bestexpresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage(paragraph 4)? In correct choices change the meaning in important ways or leaveout essential information.A.The fossil record suggests that there wasan abrupt extinction of many plants and animals at the end of the Mesozoic era.B.Few fossils of the Mesozoic era havesurvived in the rocks that mark the end of the Cretaceous.C.Fossils from the Cretaceous period of theMesozoic up to the beginning of the Cenozoic era have been removed from thelayers of rock that surrounded them.D.Plants and animals from the Mesozoic erawere unable to survive in the Cenozoic era.8.In paragraph 4, all the following questionsare answered EXCEPT:A.Why is there a layer of clay between therocks of the Cretaceous and Cenozoic?B.Why were scientists interested indetermining how long it took to deposit the layer of clay at the end of theCretaceousC.What was the effect of the surprisingobservation scientists made?D.Why did scientists want more informationabout the dinosaur extinctions at the end of the Cretaceous?9.The word “bombard” in the passage(paragraph 5) is closest inmeaning toA.approachB.strikeC.passD.circle10.Paragraph 5 implies that a specialexplanation of Ir in the boundary clay is needed becauseA.the Ir in microscopic meteorites reachingEarth during the Cretaceous period would have been incorporated into Earth’scoreB.the Ir in the boundary clay was depositedmuch more than a million years agoC.the concentration of Ir in the boundaryclay is higher than in microscopic meteoritesD.the amount of Ir in the boundary clay istoo great to have come from microscopic meteorites during the time the boundaryclay was deposited11.The word “disruption” in the passage(paragraph 6) is closest in meaning toA.exhaustionB.disturbanceC.modificationD.disappearance12.Paragraph 6 mentions all of thefollowing effects of the hypothesized asteroid collision EXCEPTA.a large dust cloud that blocked sunlightB.an immediate drop in the surfacetemperatures of the continentsC.an extreme decrease in rainfall on thecontinentsD.a long-term increase in globaltemperatures13. Look at the four squares [■] thatindicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.Consequently, the idea that the Ir in the boundary clay came from microscopicmeteorites cannot be accepted.Ir has not been common at Earth’s since thevery beginning of the planet’s history. Because it usually exists in a metallicstate, it was preferentially incorporated in Earth’s core as the planet cooledand consolidated. Ir is found in high concentrations in some meteorites, inwhich the solar system’s original chemical composition is preserved. Eventoday, microscopic meteorites continually bombard Earth, falling on both landand sea. By measuring how many of these meteorites fall to Earth over a givenperiod of time, scientists can estimate how long it might have taken to depositthe observed amount of Ir in the boundary clay. ■【A】Thesecalculations suggest that a period of about one million years would have beenrequired. ■【B】However, other reliable evidence suggests that the deposition of theboundary clay could not have taken one million years. ■【C】So theunusually high concentration of Ir seems to require a special explanation. 【D】Where would the sentence best fit?14.Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of thepassage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answerchoices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences donot belong in the summary because they express that are not presented in the passageor are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points.For a long time scientists have argued thatthe extinction of the dinosaurs was related to climate change.A.A simple climate change does not explainsome important data related to the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end ofthe Cretaceous.B.The retreat of the seaways at the end ofthe Cretaceous has not been fully explained.C.The abruptness of extinctions at the endof the Cretaceous and the high concentration of Ir found in clay deposited atthat time have fueled the development of a new hypothesis.D.Extreme changes in daily and seasonalclimates preceded the retreat of the seas back into the major ocean basins.E.Some scientists hypothesize that theextinction of the dinosaurs resulted from the effects of an asteroid collisionwith Earth.F.Boundaryclay layers like the one between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic are used byscientists to determine the rate at which an extinct species declined.托福阅读答案1.以Late Cretaceousclimate做关键词定位至倒数第四句，说比现在更温和，所以D是答案。

汪培珽英文书单第一阶段i_can_read_level_1(12本) 1、丹尼和恐龙Danny and the DinosaurDanny 很喜欢恐龙。

当他在纪念馆看到一只时，他说，"如果能和恐龙一起玩，那将会多么美妙，"一个声音回答，“我觉得和你一起玩也一定会很有趣的”。

于是丹尼和恐龙的奇妙冒险开始了！但是一只恐龙可不是普通的玩伴，甚至最日常的活动也变得不平凡，像在捉迷藏的游戏时，找到一个足够大的地方来隐藏一只恐龙，并让他的长长的尾巴不要敲打房子。

但 Danny 能教老恐龙新把戏，这是这只有着 1 亿年年龄的老恐龙感到最有趣的事！Danny loves dinosaurs. When he sees one at the museun and says, "It would be nice to play with a dinosaur," a voice answers, "And I think it would be nice to play with you." So begins Dannys and the dinosaur's wonderful adventure together!But a dinosaur is no ordinary playmate. Even the most everyday activities become extraordinary, like finding a big-enough place to hide a dinosaur in a game of hide-and-seek, and keeping him from knocking over houses with his long tail. But Danny can teach a old dinosaur new tricks. It's the most fun this dinosaur has had in a hundred million years!2、我会读之史丹利 I Can Read Book 1：Stanley这本书一翻开，就感觉太棒了！这本书讲的是原始人生活的一个生活场景，用孩子们能够理解的故事讲解出来，即了解了原始人的生活状况，又感受到了故事里的美好和温情，而且见到的这类题材的绘本相对较少。

全文分为作者个人简介和正文两个部分：作者个人简介：Hello everyone, I am an author dedicated to creating and sharing high-quality document templates. In this era of information overload, accurate and efficient communication has become especially important. I firmly believe that good communication can build bridges between people, playing an indispensable role in academia, career, and daily life. Therefore, I decided to invest my knowledge and skills into creating valuable documents to help people find inspiration and direction when needed.正文：恐龙和鸟类的资料袋写一篇英语作文全文共3篇示例，供读者参考篇1Dinosaurs and Birds: An Evolutionary JourneyAs a student fascinated by the natural world, I have always been captivated by the incredible story of how dinosaurs evolved into the birds we see around us today. It's a tale that spansmillions of years, filled with remarkable discoveries andmind-boggling adaptations. In this essay, I'll take you on a journey through time, exploring the evidence that links these two seemingly disparate groups of animals and unraveling the mysteries of their shared ancestry.Let's start at the beginning, in the Mesozoic Era, when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. These ancient reptiles were a diverse group, ranging from the massive, long-necked sauropods to the fearsome, meat-eating theropods. It was among the latter group that we find the earliest clues to the avian connection.One of the most significant discoveries in this regard was the fossilized remains of Archaeopteryx, a creature that lived around 150 million years ago. Archaeopteryx possessed a unique combination of features – it had feathers and wings like a bird, but also retained many characteristics of its dinosaur ancestors, such as teeth and a long, bony tail. This remarkable fossil provided the first tangible evidence that birds evolved from a specific group of dinosaurs known as theropods.But Archaeopteryx was just the beginning. As paleontologists continued to unearth fossils, more and more similarities between dinosaurs and birds came to light. For instance, many theropod dinosaurs, such as Velociraptor andDeinonychus, had lightweight, hollow bones and a rigid, birdlike furcula (wishbone) – adaptations that likely helped them move quickly and efficiently.Furthermore, the discovery of feathered dinosaurs like Microraptor and Protarchaeopteryx revealed that feathers, once thought to be a unique avian trait, had actually evolved in dinosaurs long before the first birds took flight. These feathers likely served a variety of functions, from insulation to display, and eventually paved the way for the development of powered flight.As compelling as the fossil evidence is, scientists have also found support for the dinosaur-bird connection in their genetic makeup. By studying the DNA of modern birds and comparing it to that of other reptiles, researchers have identified a close evolutionary relationship between birds and certain theropod dinosaurs, such as Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor.But how did these feathered, bipedal dinosaurs eventually evolve into the diverse array of birds we know today? The answer lies in a series of remarkable adaptations that allowed early birds to take to the skies.One key adaptation was the evolution of a lightweight, hollow-boned skeleton, which made it easier for these animals tobecome airborne. Additionally, the development of a specialized respiratory system, involving air sacs that helped facilitate efficient gas exchange, allowed birds to meet the high metabolic demands of powered flight.Another crucial adaptation was the evolution of feathers specialized for flight. These feathers, with their intricate structure and aerodynamic properties, enabled birds to generate lift and maneuver with precision in the air. Over time, these feathers became increasingly specialized, leading to the diverse array of wing shapes and flight styles we see in modern birds.As birds took to the skies, they underwent a rapid diversification, adapting to different environments and ecological niches. Some became specialized for soaring and gliding, like eagles and hawks, while others evolved for agile, maneuverable flight, like hummingbirds and swallows. Still others, like ostriches and emus, lost the ability to fly altogether, adapting to life on the ground.But despite this incredible diversity, all modern birds share a common ancestor – a feathered, theropod dinosaur that took those first tentative steps towards powered flight millions of years ago.In recent years, our understanding of the dinosaur-bird connection has been further enriched by the study of living birds and their behavior. For instance, researchers have observed that many modern birds exhibit behaviors and traits that are reminiscent of their dinosaur ancestors, such as parental care, nest building, and complex social structures.Additionally, the study of bird development has shed light on the evolutionary processes that shaped their unique anatomy and physiology. By examining the embryonic stages of bird development, scientists have found striking similarities to the development of their dinosaur ancestors, providing further evidence of their shared evolutionary history.As we continue to unravel the mysteries of this fascinating evolutionary journey, one thing is clear: the story of dinosaurs and birds is a testament to the incredible power of adaptation and evolution. It reminds us that life on Earth is constantly changing and evolving, and that even the most unlikely of transformations can occur over vast spans of time.For me, as a student, this story not only fuels my curiosity about the natural world but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of scientific inquiry and discovery. It is through the tireless efforts of paleontologists, geneticists, andresearchers in various fields that we have been able to piece together this remarkable tale, shedding light on one of the most captivating chapters in the history of life on our planet.As I continue my studies, I am filled with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the incredible journey that has brought us from the age of dinosaurs to the present day. And who knows what other fascinating revelations await us as we continue to explore the intricate tapestry of life on Earth? One thing is certain – the story of dinosaurs and birds is far from over, and the chapters yet to be written promise to be just as fascinating as those that have come before.篇2Dinosaurs and Birds: A Surprising ConnectionWhen I was a little kid, I loved dinosaurs. I had dinosaur toys, dinosaur books, dinosaur pajamas - you name it. I was obsessed.I knew all the names and could rattle off facts about every species. Tyrannosaurus rex was the king of the dinosaurs, Triceratops had those awesome horns, and don't even get me started on the long-necked plant eaters like Brachiosaurus. Dinosaurs were just the coolest things ever.Little did I know back then just how closely related dinosaurs were to modern birds, the unassuming little feathered creatures we see all around us every day. It seems totally bizarre to link massive prehistoric reptiles to the robins, sparrows, and pigeons of today. But the more you dig into it, the more that unexpected connection starts to make sense.Let's start with the basics. Dinosaurs first appeared around 230 million years ago during the Triassic period. For around 165 million years after that, dinosaurs absolutely dominated the land, evolving into thousands of diverse species across the globe. Then, around 66 million years ago, a catastrophic asteroid impact caused mass extinction, wiping out all the remaining dinosaurs except for a handful of feathered theropods - the dinosaur group that included Velociraptor and, ultimately, modern birds.So how do we know birds descended from dinosaurs? The evidence is overwhelming. For one, we've discovered countless preserved dinosaur fossils with intricate feather patterns and even wings. Archaeopteryx, which lived around 150 million years ago, is one of the most famous examples. It had feathers like a bird but many other reptilian traits like teeth and a bony tail. It was essentially a dino-bird link between the two groups.Even more convincingly, birds and dinosaurs share over 300 distinct anatomical traits, from the shape of their eggs and bone structures to the positioning of their eyes, nostrils, and reproductive systems. A bird's wishbone is actually aDeveloped fusing of dinosaur collar bones. When you look at an X-ray of a bird, the skeletal similarities to dinosaurs are unmistakable.Beyond the physical evidence, we've also sequenced dinosaur protein compounds extracted from fossilized bone and compared them to modern bird proteins. The molecular makeup matches, confirming the evolutionary relationship. Paleontologists have traced theropod dinosaur species branching off into birds through clear transitional fossils over millions of years.Perhaps the coolest link between birds and dinosaurs though is their behavior. Lots of dinosaurs engaged in behaviors we associate with modern birds. Fossil sites have uncovered preserved nests, clutches of eggs, tracks of baby dinosaurs, hints of feather shaking and dust bathing, and even evidence of parental care like brooding. Some dinosaur species may have engaged in mating dances and calls like birds. Thanks to analysis of lung structures, we think at least some dinosaurs may havebeen warm-blooded and able to engage in high energy activity like flight.So next time you see a robin hopping around or a hawk soaring high overhead, just remember that you're looking at one of the last surviving lineages of dinosaurs that managed to live through the mass extinction event 66 million years ago. Birds are literally modern dinosaurs.This dinosaur-bird link has totally reshaped how scientists view the evolution of life on earth and the branching of species over immense timescales. As a dinosaur-obsessed kid, I never could have imagined that birds were essentially feathery, shrunk-down versions of creatures like T. rex. But the more you learn, the more it makes perfect sense.While the giant prehistoric megafauna may be long gone, we're surrounded every day by the descendants of dinosaurs that survived by evolving into feathered, flying forms. Birds are incredibly diverse and successful, inhabiting virtually every ecosystem across the planet. In many ways, they rule the earth just like their massive ancestors once did.So embrace your inner child's dinosaur fascination! Study birds, appreciate their links to the prehistoric past, and marvel at the incredible journey of evolution that allowed one branch ofthe dinosaurs to live on in the form of majestic hawks, hummingbirds, penguins, and all the other remarkable bird species we share the world with today. Dinosaurs may be extinct, but their distant grandchildren live all around us, soaring through the skies. How amazing is that?篇3The Dinobird ConnectionBy A Curious StudentWhen I was little, I loved dinosaurs. What kid doesn't? They were these gigantic, fierce creatures that dominated the Earth for millions of years before becoming extinct. I had dinosaur toys, books, bedsheets, you name it. My favorites were always the theropods – the "beast-footed" dinosaurs like T. Rex and Velociraptor that walked on two legs and had deadly claws and teeth.Little did I know back then just how closely related those scary dinos were to our modern-day feathered friends. It wasn't until I was older that I learned about the profound evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds. This blew my mind and made me see birds in a whole new light. Those innocent little songbirdsat the feeder? Distant cousins of Tyrannosaurus Rex. It's one of the most fascinating areas of paleontology.The story begins in the late 1800s when scientists first started discovering excellently preserved dinosaur fossils with imprints of feathers and feather-like structures. This was revolutionary because it showed that dinosaurs weren't just big dumb lizards, but had evolved some remarkably bird-like characteristics tens of millions of years before the first true birds arrived.One of the most important dinosaur fossils that revealed this link was the Archaeopteryx, which lived around 150 million years ago in what is now Germany. The first Archaeopteryx fossil was discovered in 1861, and even by modern definitions, it was the earliest known bird. It had the feathers, wings, and wishbone of a bird, but also retained many dinosaur features like jaws with teeth and a bony tail.This "dino-bird" was clear evidence that birds evolved from small feathered dinosaurs, providing a transitional fossil showing their reptilian ancestors. Over the next century and a half, many more feathered dinosaur fossils were uncovered, further cementing the dinosaur-bird connection. A famous example isthe Microraptor, a four-winged dromaeosaurid covered in iridescent plumage.So how did this happen? How did a group of dinosaurs slowly evolve the characteristics of modern birds over millions of years? According to the evidence, bird-like traits like feathers first appeared in some lineages of small raptor-like theropod dinosaurs in the Late Jurassic period, around 160 million years ago.These early feathers were probably used for insulation and display at first, much like those on many modern reptiles. But eventually, natural selection favored feathers and skeletal structures better adapted for gliding or primitive flight as these gave theropods better mobility to hunt prey or escape predators. The feathers grew more aerodynamic and complex wing structures slowly took shape.Birds inherited many other unique adaptations from their dinosaur ancestors too. Their lungs, skeletal pneumaticity,egg-brooding behavior, nest-building abilities, and even the proteins that make up their feathers all have their origins in the dinosaur lineage. The relatively large size of birds' brains compared to other modern reptiles is another holdover from their highly intelligent theropod forebears.While birds are the only living dinosaurs today, they're just an evolutionary twig on the branching tree of theropod diversity that existed during the Mesozoic Era. other dinosaur lineages like the horned ceratopsians, armored ankylosaurs, duck-billed hadrosaurs, and gigantic long-necked sauropods all branched off from the main theropod trunk.But birds' direct ancestors were modest-sized feathered theropods called maniraptorans, which split off from other theropods like the iconic meat-eaters Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus. These agile, grasping maniraptorans eventually gave rise to lineages like dromaeosaurids ("raptors"), troodontids, oviraptorosaurs and birds.So while Velociraptor itself didn't have a direct lineage that became modern birds, it had a very similar body plan to the animals that did. Raptors were just fancy, non-avian maniraptorans, if you will. Their close cousins are the ones that kept gaining more and more birdlike adaptations over time until the first true birds evolved.That pivotal moment – the origin of the first birds as we'd define them today – happened around 150-160 million years ago in the Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous Period. It was around thistime that the earliest members of the avian lineage became so advanced that they crossed the threshold into bona fide birds.These first avians were small, lightweight, winged maniraptorans that were finally optimized for powered flight rather than just gliding, with advanced feathers, fused hand bones, and other avian adaptations. Archaeopteryx was one of these early birds, but there were many other Archaeopteryx-like species.Once the basic avian body plan was established, birds took off (pun intended) into a wildly diverse range of forms over the next 100 million years, from swan-sized predators to diving sea birds to herding omnivores, all thriving alongside the other dinosaurs. But then a mass extinction struck 66 million years ago, wiping out all dinosaurs except the avian lineage.So after that cataclysmic asteroid or series of impacts, the descendants of the Archaeopteryx and other early birds inherited the Earth once dominated by the giant dinos. In the resulting ecological vacancies, birds evolved into many of the modern lineages we know today like raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl and more as they expanded to fill different niches.This incredible evolutionary story of how birds descended from feathered dinosaurs is now backed by tons of fossilevidence and biological data. It has become a simple fact in science. Yet it still seems mind-blowing when you really think about it deeply: that innocuous little sparrow on a branch is a surviving remnant and a very real "living dinosaur" – however distant and unrecognizable as its heritage may seem!Sure, they're just small, lightweight offshoots today of the mighty dinosaur lineages that once dominated the world. But birds branched off from feathered theropod dinosaurs, sharing things like egg-brooding, bone-pneumaticity, nest building behaviors and other traits with their ancestors like dromaeosaurids and other dino-cousins.Next time you see a bird, I want you to appreciate that creature for what it is – one of the last surviving dinosaurs. Birds are literally dinosaurs that lost weight and evolved feathers to become optimized for flight. So the next time a pigeon pecks at your toes for a bit of your hot dog, show some respect. You're in the presence of true dinosaur royalty!。