Read the following text.Choose the best word(s)for each numbered blank and mark A,B,C or D on the ANSWER SHEET.(10 points)
The idea that plants have some degree of consciousness first took root in the early 2000s;the term“plant neurobiology”was __1__ around the notion that some aspects of plant behavior could be __2__ to intelligence in animals.__3__ plants lack brains,the firing of electrical signals in their stems and leaves nonetheless triggered responses that __4__ consciousness,researchers previously reported.
But such an idea is untrue,according to a new opinion article.Plant biology is complex and fascinating,but it __5__ so greatly from that of animals that so-called __6__ of plants’intelligence is inconclusive,the authors wrote.
Beginning in 2006,some scientists have __7__ that plants possess neuron-like cells that interact with hormones and neurotransmitters,__8__“a plant nervous system,__9__ to that in animals,”said lead study author Lincoln Taiz,“They __10__ claimed that plants have“brain-like command centers”at their root tips.”
This __11__ makes sense if you simplify the workings of a complex brain,__12__ it to an array of electrical pulses;cells in plants also communicate through electrical signals.__13__,the signaling in a plant is only __14__ similar to the firing in a complex animal brain,which is more than“a mass of cells that communicate by electricity,”Taiz said.
“For consciousness to evolve,a brain with a threshold __15__ of complexity and capacity is required,”he __16__.”Since plants don’t have nervous systems,the __17__ that they have consciousness are effectively zero.”
And what’s so great about consciousness,anyway?Plants can’t run away from __18__,so investing energy in a body system which __19__a threat and can feel pain would be a very __20__ evolutionary strategy,according to the article.