英语六级考试阅读理解强化训练(七)

　　Leonardo da Vinci was the first man to suggest that growing trees add a new ring in their trunks each year. The　 11　 in these rings relates to the physical conditions which the tree experiences. Thus, trees grown in a　 12　 area and time each develop a pattern or configuration of their rings.

　　This　13　was of little significance until Andrew E. Douglas began to study tree rings in Arizona in 1900. Using a technique called cross dating, he was able to employ tree rings to the study of archaeological sites and date the ruins with　14　 . Some were as old as 6700 B. C. ! This study of tree rings is called dendrochronology.

　　In time the cross dating was　 15　by a carbon 14 process. This approach measured the amount of carbon 14 radiating from a piece of wood and　 16　 to determine the age of that wood. Further use of the carbon 14 technique has shown that the radiation process is more complex and less　17　than had been at first thought.

　　The most　18　aspect of tree ring research is now called

　　dendroclimatology. This　 19　of the reconstruction of climates and climatic cycles and events from the evidence found in the tree rings. From this it is hoped that a　 20　of drought cycles can be determined in the American Southwest. Such information will be of great help in determining the life and ecology of that region of the United States.

　 A. thus B. model

　 C. variation D. concept

　E. accuracy F. exciting

　 G. consists H. given

　 I. proposition J. composes

　 K. further L. pattern

　M. supplemented N. reliable

　 O. excellent

　　参考答案：II. C 12. H 13. D 14. E 15. M 16. A 17. N 18. F 19. G 20. L