Question

When different species of birds flock (聚集) together, their flight formations are determined by social dynamics both between and within species.

New research from the Universities of Cambridge and Exeter reveals for the first time that, contrary to current models used to explain the movement of flocks, the differences between bird species and social relationships between individuals play a critical role in determining the dynamics of mixed-species flocks.

The unified(群集) behaviour of bird flocks has puzzled scientists for hundreds of years. One naturalist from the turn of the century even suggested telepathy(心灵感应)may be involved. There have since been more logical explanations, including mathematical models that show that repeated interactions among individuals following simple rules can generate coordinated (协同的)group movements. However, these models usually rely on the assumption that individuals within groups are identical and interact independently, which may not reflect reality.

Jolle Jolles, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge's Department of Zoology and author of the paper, said：“Spectacular collective behaviour can be found in a large range of animal species, and we now know that often these complex coordinated group movements may be the result of individuals following simple rules. However, rarely are the individual characteristics and social relationships within them taken into account. Our research highlights that these striking displays of group behaviour are much more complex.”

By analysing high-resolution photographs of mixed flocks of rooks and jackdaws (both from the corvid family), the researchers found that rather than individuals interacting in a consistent fashion throughout the flock, interactions depended on social dynamics between the different species as well as relationships within a species.

The researchers discovered that birds prefer to fly close to members of their own species, and that the larger and more dominant rooks take the lead by flying near the front of flocks. Additionally, the lifelong, monogamous(一妻一夫制的)pair bonds that are characteristic of both species seem to be reflected in flight, as birds often fly particularly close to a single, same-species partner.

Dr Alex Thornton, principal investigator of the Cambridge Jackdaw Project, now at the University of Exeter and author of the paper, said: “Together, our findings demonstrate that to understand the structure of groups — such as bird flocks — we need to consider the characteristics and relationships of the individuals within them.”

1.The underlined word “generate” means ______.

A. set down B. take away

C. bring about D. give up

2.According to Jolle Jolles, what are seldom considered about coordinated group movement?

A. Individual characteristics and social relationship between them

B. Repeated interactions among individuals and social dynamics

C. Telepathy and social relationship between them

D. The structure of groups and the varieties of species

3.Birds may prefer to fly the closest to _____ .

A. the largest one B. the most dynamic one

C. the lifelong partner D. the friendly partner

4.What is the main idea of the passage?

A. How birds interact in simple rules.

B. How birds of different feathers flock together.

C. Why birds show preference to flocking.

D. Why birds display the characteristics.

 

Answer 1

1.C

2.A

3.C

4.B

【解析】

试题分析: 本文是科普类阅读，讲述不同种类的鸟是如何结队而行的，他们之间的关系由彼此之间的物种和内部形态决定的。

1.C 细节理解题。根据第三段提到There have since been more logical explanations, including mathematical models that show that repeated interactions among individuals following simple rules can generate coordinated (协同的)group movements.已经有更多的逻辑的解释，包括一些数据模型可以表明个体之间重复性的相互作用能够产生协同的团队行动，故选C项。

2.A 细节理解题。根据第四段提到However, rarely are the individual characteristics and social relationships within them taken into account可知选A项。

3.C 细节理解题。根据第五段提到The researchers discovered that birds prefer to fly close to members of their own species, and that the larger and more dominant rooks take the lead by flying near the front of flocks.可知选C项。

4.B 主旨大意。本文主要讲述不同各类的鸟是如何结队而行的，故选B项。

考点：科普类阅读。