Researchers studying the diets of a certain penguin species observed that the ratio of carbon isotopes in the penguins' bodies shifted from heavier to lighter during a particular period. In food chains, species at higher trophic levels tend to have heavier isotope ratios in their bodies. The researchers hypothesize that this change occurred because the penguins shifted from a diet composed primarily of fish to one composed primarily of krill during this time period. They cite as evidence the fact that populations of whales and another krill-eating species declined during this period, likely leading to a dramatic increase in the krill population.
Which of the following is an assumption on which the researchers' conclusion depends?
(A) The penguins' fish prey has a higher trophic level than the penguins themselves.
(B) Krill have sufficient nutritional value to be a viable primary food source for this penguin species.
(C) This penguin species prefers to eat fish and only consumes krill when fish populations are low.
(D) The carbon isotope ratios in the penguins' bodies would not have shifted if both krill and fish were scarce.
(E) The whale and the other krill-eating species declined solely due to the increase in this penguin species' krill consumption.
In a certain region, the incidence of stomach cancer is remarkably low. A study revealed that a particular vegetable is a staple in the diet of this population. The researchers therefore hypothesized that a compound found in this vegetable may lower the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the researchers' hypothesis?
(A) People in this region begin consuming this vegetable at a very young age.
(B) The vegetable is cooked using a method that is believed to destroy some of its nutritional value.
(C) The vegetable is typically consumed in combination with a food that has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
(D) Other populations with similarly low rates of stomach cancer do not consume this vegetable regularly.
(E) Consuming the vegetable in its raw form can lead to stomach discomfort, prompting more frequent medical check-ups that enable early detection of stomach cancer.
BE
2.RC
Knowledge of the intense heat and pressure in the mantle led researchers to hypothesize in the late 1960s that ocean crust originates as tiny amounts of liquid rock known as melt—almost as though the solid rocks were “sweating.” Even a minuscule release of pressure (because of material rising from its original position) causes melt to form in microscopic pores deep within the mantle rock. Explaining how the rock sweat gets to the surface was more difficult. Melt is less dense than the mantle rocks in which it forms, so it will constantly try to migrate upward, toward regions of lower pressure. But what laboratory experiments revealed about the chemical composition of melt did not seem to match up with the composition of rock samples collected from the mid-ocean ridges, where eruptedmelt hardens. Using specialized equipment to heat and squeeze crystals from mantle rocks in the laboratory, investigators learned that the chemical composition of melt in the mantle varies depending on the depth at which it forms; the composition is controlled by an exchange of atoms between the melt and the minerals that makeup the solid rock it passes through. The experiments revealed that as melt rises, it dissolves one kind of mineral, orthopyroxene, and precipitates, or leaves behind, another mineral, olivine. Researchers could thus infer that the higher in the mantle melt formed, the more orthopyroxene it would dissolve, and the more olivine it would leave behind. Comparing these experimental findings with lava samples from the mid-ocean ridges revealed that almost all of them have the composition of melts that formed at depths greater than 45kilometers. This conclusion spurred a lively debate about how meltis able to rise through tens of kilometers of overlying rock while preserving the composition appropriate for a greater depth. If melt rose slowly in smallpores in the rock, as researchers suspected, it would be logical to assume that all melts would reflect the composition of the fashallowest part of the mantle,at 10 kilometers or less. Yet the composition of most mid-ocean ridge lavas amples suggests their source melt migrated through the uppermost 45 kilometers of the mantle without dissolving any orthopyroxene from the surrounding rock. But how?
In the early 1970s scientists proposed an answer: the melt must make the last leg of its upward journey along enormous cracks. Open cracks would allow the melt to rise so rapidly that it would not have time to interact with the surrounding rock, nor would melt in the core of the crack ever touch the sides. Although open cracks are not a natural feature of the upper mantle— the pressure is simply too great—some investigators suggested that the buoyant force of migrating melt might sometimes be enough to fracture the solid rock above, like an icebreaker ship forcing its way through polar pack ice. Adolphe Nicolas of the University of Montpellier in France and his colleagues discovered tantalizing evidence for such cracks while examining unusual rock formations called ophiolites. Typically, when oceanic crust gets old and cold, it becomes so dense that it sinks back into the mantle along deep trenches known as subduction zones, such as those that encircle the Pacific Ocean. Ophiolites, on the other hand, are thick sections of old seafloor and adjacent, underlying mantle that are thrust up onto continents when two of the planet’s tectonic plates collide. A famous example, located in the Sultanate of Oman, was exposed during the ongoing collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates. In this and other ophiolites, Nicolas’s team found unusual, light-colored veins called dikes, which they interpreted as cracks in which melt had crystallized before reaching the seafloor. The problem with this interpretation was that the dikes are filled with rock that crystallized from a melt that formed in the uppermost reaches of the mantle, not below 45 kilometers, where most mid-ocean ridge lavas originate. In addition, the icebreaker scenario may not work well for the melting region under mid-ocean ridges: below about 10 kilometers, the hot mantle tends to flow like caramel left too long in the sun, rather than cracking easily.
To explain the ongoing mystery, I began working on an alternative hypothesis for lava transport in the melting region. In my dissertation in the late 1980s, I developed a chemical theory proposing that as rising melt dissolves orthopyroxene crystals, it precipitates a smaller amount of olivine, so that the net result is a greater volume of melt. Our calculations revealed how this dissolution process gradually enlarges the open spaces at the edges of solid crystals, creating larger pores and carving a more favorable pathway through which melt can flow. As the pores grow, they connect to form elongate channels. In turn, similar feedbacks drive the coalescence of several small tributaries to form larger channels. Indeed, our numerical models suggested that more than 90 percent of the melt is concentrated into less than 10 percent of the available area. That means millions of microscopic threads of flowing melt may eventually feed into only a few dozen, high porosity channels 100 meters or more wide. Even in the widest channels, many crystals of the original mantle rock remain intact, congesting the channels and inhibiting movement of the fluid. That is why melt flows slowly, at only a few centimeters a year. Over time, however, so much melt passes through the channels that all the soluble orthopyroxene crystals dissolve away, leaving only crystals of olivine and other minerals that the melt is unable to dissolve. As a result, the composition of the melt within such channels can no longer adjust to decreasing pressure and instead records the depth at which it last “saw” an orthopyroxene crystal. One of the most important implications of this process, called focused porous flow, is that only the melt at the edges of channels dissolves orthopyroxene from the surrounding rock; melt within the inner part of the conduit can rise unadulterated.
Q1. The author's discussion of the chemical composition of melt in the mantle serves to:
(A) Challenge the prevailing theory about the origin of ocean crust in the late 1960s
(B) Provide context for understanding the significance of the author's focused porous flow hypothesis
(C) Demonstrate the limitations of laboratory experiments in replicating mantle conditions
(D) Emphasize the importance of ophiolites in studying mantle processes
(E) Illustrate the complex interplay between temperature, pressure, and chemical reactions in the mantle
Q2. The passage implies that the focused porous flow hypothesis, if true, would account for which of the following?
(A) The presence of ophiolites on continental surfaces
(B) The absence of orthopyroxene crystals in mid-ocean ridge lava samples
(C) The slow rate of melt flow through the mantle
(D) The difference in chemical composition between shallow and deep melt in the mantle
(E) The fracturing of solid rock by the buoyant force of migrating melt
Q3. The author's argument in the final paragraph depends on all of the following EXCEPT:
(A) The dissolution of orthopyroxene crystals results in a net increase in the volume of melt
(B) Melt flow through the mantle is slowed by the presence of solid crystals in the channels
(C) The composition of melt in the inner part of a channel is unaffected by changes in pressure
(D) Melt in the mantle is concentrated into a small fraction of the available space
(E) The chemical composition of melt in the mantle is determined by the depth at which it forms
Q4. The author's hypothesis about focused porous flow would be most seriously undermined if which of the following were true?
(A) The chemical composition of melt in the mantle is primarily determined by temperature rather than pressure
(B) Ophiolites are found to contain a higher proportion of orthopyroxene than olivine
(C) Melt in the mantle rises at a rate of several meters per year rather than a few centimeters
(D) The dissolution of orthopyroxene does not significantly increase the porosity of the surrounding rock
(E) Channels in the mantle are frequently obstructed by the precipitation of minerals other than olivine
Q5. The passage suggests that the primary reason why the icebreaker scenario may not adequately explain the transport of melt through the mantle is that:
(A) The buoyant force of melt is insufficient to fracture the overlying rock
(B) The dikes found in ophiolites are composed of melt that formed at shallow depths
(C) Open cracks are unlikely to form naturally in the mantle below a certain depth
(D) The composition of melt in the dikes does not match that of mid-ocean ridge lavas
(E) Ophiolites are not representative of the conditions under which most oceanic crust forms
Q6. According to the passage, laboratory experiments on mantle rocks have revealed that:
(A) The chemical composition of melt in the mantle is primarily controlled by temperature
(B) Melt in the mantle becomes more enriched in orthopyroxene as it rises to shallower depths
(C) The exchange of atoms between melt and the surrounding rock is influenced by pressure
(D) The mineral olivine is more soluble in melt than orthopyroxene at all depths in the mantle
(E) The composition of melt in the mantle varies depending on the depth at which it forms
Q7. The author introduces the concept of "rock sweat" (line 3) in order to:
(A) Explain how melt is initially formed within the mantle
(B) Contrast the properties of melt with those of solid mantle rock
(C) Describe the slow rate at which melt migrates through the mantle
(D) Illustrate the challenges faced by early researchers in studying mantle processes
(E) Emphasize the role of pressure changes in the formation of ocean crust
Q8. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about the relationship between the "open spaces at the edges of solid crystals" and the "elongate channels" mentioned in the final paragraph?
(A) The open spaces are the primary source of the melt that flows through the elongate channels
(B) The elongate channels are formed by the coalescence of the open spaces over time
(C) The open spaces and elongate channels are found in different regions of the mantle
(D) The elongate channels are destroyed by the precipitation of olivine in the open spaces
(E) The formation of open spaces is inhibited by the presence of elongate channels nearby
In the labyrinthine world of luxury fragrance, where venerable houses with centuries-old pedigrees reign supreme, the meteoric rise of Jo Malone London (JML) is a testament to the power of artisanal craftsmanship, olfactory innovation, and strategic adaptability. Founded in 1994 by British perfumer Joanne Lesley Malone, this niche perfume house has not only managed to carve out a distinct identity in an intensely competitive market but has also navigated the tempestuous waters of shifting consumer preferences, economic volatility, and global crises with remarkable resilience.
The allure of JML lies in its unwavering commitment to creating scents that are at once ethereal and grounded, evocative and understated. Eschewing the ostentatious opulence that characterizes many luxury fragrances, JML's creations are imbued with a sense of minimalist elegance, focusing on the interplay of high-quality, natural ingredients to craft olfactory experiences that are both subtle and sublime. This artisanal approach, rooted in Malone's own philosophy of "fragrance as a form of self-expression," has resonated deeply with a new generation of consumers who prioritize authenticity, personalization, and sensory exploration.
The ascendancy of JML is inextricably linked to the seismic shifts in consumer behavior that have reshaped the luxury landscape in recent years. As millennials and Gen Z have emerged as the dominant forces in the market, their penchant for experiences over possessions, their embrace of niche and artisanal brands, and their desire for products that align with their values have fundamentally altered the rules of the game. A 2019 report by NPD Group underscores this generational shift, revealing that prestige fragrance sales in the US grew by 4%, reaching $4.3 billion, with niche brands like JML driving much of this growth. Notably, 48% of consumers aged 18-24 expressed a preference for unique, lesser-known fragrances over mainstream options, a trend that has only gained momentum in the intervening years.
However, the path to success for JML has been far from linear, punctuated by myriad challenges and upheavals that have tested the brand's mettle. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has been a crucible for the luxury fragrance industry, exposing vulnerabilities and accelerating pre-existing trends. With McKinsey & Company estimating a staggering 35-39% decline in luxury sales in 2020, brands have had to swiftly adapt to a new reality defined by e-commerce, digital engagement, and supply chain disruptions. For JML, this has meant a 200% surge in online sales during the pandemic, even as its brick-and-mortar stores remained shuttered. This agility in the face of adversity, underpinned by a robust digital infrastructure and a loyal customer base, has been a key factor in the brand's resilience.
Sustainability has also emerged as a defining issue for the luxury fragrance industry, as consumers become increasingly attuned to the environmental and ethical impact of their purchases. A 2020 survey by Cosmetics Business revealed that 75% of UK consumers consider sustainability when buying beauty products, a sentiment that is mirrored across global markets. For JML, this has necessitated a comprehensive reevaluation of its practices, from sourcing to packaging to product development. The brand has pledged to use 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 and has introduced a refill program to minimize waste. Moreover, it has intensified its focus on natural and organic ingredients, partnering with sustainable suppliers and supporting conservation efforts in key sourcing regions.
As JML navigates this ever-shifting landscape, it must also contend with the rise of a new breed of niche fragrance houses that are vying for the same discerning consumers. Brands like Le Labo, Byredo, and Maison Margiela have emerged as formidable competitors, each with its own distinct aesthetic and narrative. To maintain its edge, JML has doubled down on its core strengths – artisanal craftsmanship, olfactory innovation, and emotional resonance – while also embracing collaboration and experimentation. Its partnerships with artists, designers, and cultural institutions have yielded some of its most acclaimed and sought-after scents, such as the Wild Bluebell collection, inspired by the works of British sculptor Barbara Hepworth, and the English Oak series, a tribute to the majestic trees of England's forests.
Looking ahead, the future of the luxury fragrance industry is one of both challenge and opportunity. With Euromonitor International projecting a 3.4% CAGR from 2020 to 2025, there is ample room for growth and innovation. However, success will require a delicate balancing act between heritage and innovation, exclusivity and accessibility, local resonance and global appeal. For Jo Malone London, this means staying true to its artisanal roots while continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of fragrance. It means engaging with its customers on a deeper, more emotional level, creating scents that not only please the senses but also tell stories, evoke memories, and inspire dreams. And it means leading the charge on sustainability, transparency, and ethical practices, setting a new standard for the industry as a whole.
In the final analysis, the ascent of Jo Malone London is a story of passion, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. It is a reminder that even in the face of daunting odds and uncharted territories, those who dare to dream big, to stay true to their vision, and to adapt to the winds of change can achieve the extraordinary. As the brand continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities, but one thing is certain: the legacy of Joanne Lesley Malone, and the artisanal spirit she imbued into every bottle of Jo Malone London fragrance, will continue to inspire and enchant for generations to come.
Q1. The author's primary purpose in writing this passage is to:
A. Analyze the financial performance of Jo Malone London since its founding
B. Compare and contrast Jo Malone London with other luxury fragrance brands
C. Examine the factors contributing to Jo Malone London's success and the challenges it faces
D. Persuade readers to purchase Jo Malone London fragrances over other brands
E. Critique the sustainability practices of the luxury fragrance industry
Q2. According to the passage, which of the following best describes Jo Malone London's approach to fragrance creation?
A. Focusing on the interplay of high-quality, natural ingredients to create subtle and sublime scents
B. Emphasizing bold, long-lasting fragrances that make a strong statement
C. Using synthetic ingredients to ensure consistency and affordability
D. Following the latest trends in the fragrance industry to appeal to younger consumers
E. Collaborating with celebrities to create popular, mainstream fragrances
Q3. The passage suggests that millennials and Gen Z consumers have influenced the luxury fragrance market by:
A. Gravitating towards traditional, well-established fragrance houses
B. Prioritizing value for money over artisanal craftsmanship
C. Showing a preference for synthetic fragrances over natural ingredients
D. Embracing niche and artisanal brands that offer personalized, experiential products
E. Favoring gender-neutral fragrances over those marketed specifically to men or women
Q4. According to the McKinsey & Company estimate mentioned in the passage, the luxury industry faced a sales decline of:
A. 3.4%
B. 4%
C. 25%
D. 35-39%
E. 48%
Q5. The author mentions Jo Malone London's "Wild Bluebell" and "English Oak" collections as examples of:
A. The brand's commitment to using only natural, organic ingredients
B. Its partnerships with artists and cultural institutions to create innovative scents
C. The brand's efforts to appeal to a younger, trendier consumer base
D. Its focus on gender-neutral fragrances that challenge traditional norms
E. The brand's expansion into home fragrance and personal care products
Q6. The passage implies that Jo Malone London's success during the COVID-19 pandemic can be attributed to:
A. Its ability to quickly pivot to e-commerce and digital engagement
B. The launch of a new line of fragrances specifically designed for pandemic times
C. Its decision to close all brick-and-mortar stores and focus solely on online sales
D. The introduction of heavily discounted prices to attract cash-strapped consumers
E. Its collaboration with social media influencers to promote the brand
Q7. According to the 2020 Cosmetics Business survey, what percentage of UK consumers consider sustainability when purchasing beauty products?
A. 25%
B. 48%
C. 75%
D. 80%
E. 100%
Q8. The author suggests that to maintain its competitive edge, Jo Malone London must:
A. Focus exclusively on its core strengths of artisanal craftsmanship and olfactory innovation
B. Expand its product line to include a wider range of beauty and personal care items
C. Invest heavily in celebrity endorsements and social media marketing campaigns
D. Embrace collaboration and experimentation while staying true to its core strengths
E. Shift its focus from natural ingredients to synthetic ones to ensure consistency and affordability
Q9. According to Euromonitor International's projection, the luxury fragrance market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of:
A. 2%
B. 3.4%
C. 4.3%
D. 5%
E. 7.5%
Q10. The passage concludes by suggesting that the future success of Jo Malone London will depend on its ability to:
A. Maintain the lowest prices among luxury fragrance brands
B. Expand its brick-and-mortar presence in key global markets
C. Develop a wide range of personal care and cosmetic products
D. Balance heritage and innovation, exclusivity and accessibility, and local resonance and global appeal
E. Focus solely on the preferences of millennial and Gen Z consumers
答案解析：
Q1. C
解析：本文主要探讨了Jo Malone London成功的因素以及品牌面临的挑战，因此选项C最能概括文章的主旨。
Q2. A
解析：文章第二段明确指出，Jo Malone London的香水创作注重高品质天然成分的相互作用，以创造出微妙而崇高的气味。
Q3. D
解析：文章第三段讨论了千禧一代和Z世代消费者对奢侈品香水市场的影响，他们偏好提供个性化、体验式产品的小众和手工艺品牌。
Q4. D
解析：文章第四段提到，根据麦肯锡公司的估计，奢侈品行业在2020年的销售额下降了35-39%。
Q5. B
解析：文章倒数第三段提到，Jo Malone London与艺术家、设计师和文化机构合作，创造出一些最受好评和最受欢迎的香水，如受英国雕塑家Barbara Hepworth作品启发的Wild Bluebell系列，以及向英格兰森林中雄伟的橡树致敬的English Oak系列。
Q6. A
解析：文章第四段暗示，Jo Malone London在COVID-19大流行期间的成功可归因于其快速转向电子商务和数字化客户关系管理的能力。
Q7. C
解析：文章第五段提到，根据2020年Cosmetics Business的调查，75%的英国消费者在购买美容产品时会考虑可持续性。
Q8. D
解析：文章倒数第三段建议，为了保持竞争优势，Jo Malone London必须在坚持其核心优势的同时，兼顾合作与实验。
Q9. B
解析：文章倒数第二段提到，根据欧睿国际的预测，奢侈品香水市场预计在2020年至2025年间的复合年增长率（CAGR）为3.4%。
Q10. D
解析：文章最后一段表明，Jo Malone London未来的成功将取决于其在传统和创新、排他性和可及性、本土共鸣和全球吸引力之间取得平衡的能力。
[/md]作者: Stella-Zhongli 时间: 2024-9-19 22:57
[md]DAY218
CR
P: 企鹅身体里的碳原子同位素比由重转轻，维度高的食物身体重的同位素比纬度低的食物同位素比重
C: this change occurred because the penguins shifted from a diet composed primarily of fish to one composed primarily of krill during this time period.
Assumption：加强：确实是这个原因
(B) Krill have sufficient nutritional value to be a viable primary food source for this penguin species.
P:一个区域的人食谱里有一种vegetable.这些人患stomach cancer的几率低
C: a compound found in this vegetable may lower the risk of developing stomach cancer.
削弱：vegetable里的某种compound不行降低riskà他因or两者不存在因果关系
(E) Consuming the vegetable in its raw form can lead to stomach discomfort, prompting more frequent medical check-ups that enable early detection of stomach cancer.他因：more frequent medical check-ups导致risk降低