12月英语六级阅读长难句分析100例-sentence 33

　　It is because of the close association in most peoples minds of tools with man that special attention has always been focused upon any animal able to use an object as a tool，but it is important to realize that this ability，on its own，does not necessarily indicate any special intelligence in the creature concerned.

　　结构分析:句子的框架是It is because ofthat，but it is important to realize that。but连接两个并列句，but前的并列分句为It isthat强调结构，强调because of引导的状语。but后的并列分句又有that引导的宾语从句做realize的宾语。the close association in most peoples minds of tools with man中注意in most peoples minds把the close association of tools with man（工具与人类的密切联系）分隔开来。两个并列句中分别有able to use an object as a tool和concerned分别做其前面名词animal和the creature的后置定语。man根据上下文在此处指人类，而不是男人not necessarily译为不一定、未必on its own意为独立地，凭自己力量，在此转译为就其自身而言。

　　译文：正是由于在大多数人头脑中工具与人类联系密切，人类才特别关注有能力把物体当工具使用的任何一种动物。但值得注意的是，这种能力就其自身而言，并不表明这种动物有什么特别的智慧。