couldn't \ not be able to

I could / was able to

Sa

she could / was able to speak she was able to speak I could / was able to ride I couldn’t / wasn’t able to drive I couldn’t / wasn’t able to find /I was able to unlock I couldn’t / wasn’t able to find /were able to contact /She could smell/ she couldn’t see/ I couldn’t / wasn’t able to understand /We could hear

1GA 2SA 3SA 4GA 5GA 6GA 7GA 8SA 9SA

she could / was able to speak she was able to speak I could / was able to ride I couldn’t / wasn’t able to drive I couldn’t / wasn’t able to find I was able to unlock I couldn’t / wasn’t able to find were able to contact She could smell she couldn’t see I couldn’t / wasn’t able to understand We could hear

1GA 2SA 3SA 4GA 5GA 6GA 7GA 8SA 9SAI could ride a bike when I was ten years old.

Sherry could run faster than her brother when they were young.

David could lift heavy boxes before his injury.

Randy could not drive until age eighteen.

I could sing.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “jaguars” literally means

Jaguars is the plural noun of jaguar. Jaguars are large wild cats native to the Americas, especially Central and South American rainforests. They are the largest big cat in the Americas.

In simple terms: jaguars = powerful spotted big cats of the American tropics

2) Key identifying features

• Coat pattern: Yellow-gold fur with large rosettes that usually have a black spot in the center (this helps distinguish jaguars from leopards).
• Build: Very stocky and muscular with an extremely strong bite—one of the strongest among big cats.
• Head & jaws: Broad head, powerful jaws adapted for crushing.

3) Habitat and range

• Found from southern Mexico through Central America into South America.
• Prefer dense rainforests, but also live in wetlands, riverbanks, and grasslands.
• Closely associated with water—unusual for big cats.

4) Hunting style and diet

• Apex predators and mostly solitary.
• Ambush hunters: rely on stealth rather than long chases.
• Unique killing method: often bite directly through the skull of prey.
• Diet includes deer, capybaras, peccaries, caimans, fish, and turtles.

5) Jaguars vs. leopards (common confusion)

| Feature | Jaguars | Leopards | | -------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------------- | | Region | Americas | Africa & Asia | | Build | Stocky, very powerful | Slimmer | | Rosettes | Larger, with central dot | Smaller, no central dot | | Water | Strong swimmers | Avoid water | | Bite | Extremely strong | Strong, but less than jaguar |

6) Ecological role

Jaguars are top predators that:

• Control prey populations
• Maintain ecosystem balance
• Indicate healthy rainforest and wetland ecosystems

7) How the word is used if it appears alone

If you see “jaguars” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a topic heading (rainforest animals),
• an example of apex predators,
• a label under an image,
• a vocabulary term in biology or geography.

8) Pronunciation

• jaguar /ˈdʒæɡ.juː.ɑːr/ or /ˈdʒæɡ.wɑːr/
• jaguars /ˈdʒæɡ.wɑːrz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“jaguars”的基本意思

jaguars 是 jaguar（美洲豹） 的复数形式。 美洲豹是 美洲体型最大的猫科动物，主要生活在 中美洲和南美洲。

简单说： jaguars = 生活在美洲热带地区的强壮大型猫科动物

2）主要特征

• 花纹： 玫瑰状斑点，内部常有黑点
• 体型： 结实、力量极强
• 咬合力大：能咬穿猎物头骨
• 善游泳：常在水边活动、捕猎

3）栖息地与分布

• 热带雨林（最典型）
• 河流、沼泽、湿地
• 草原

美洲豹常被视为 雨林顶级捕食者的代表。

4）捕猎方式

• 以 伏击 为主
• 捕食鹿、水豚、凯门鳄、鱼类等
• 独居、领地性强

5）与豹子（leopard）的区别（常考）

| 特点 | 美洲豹 | 豹子 | | -- | ----- | ----- | | 分布 | 美洲 | 非洲、亚洲 | | 体型 | 更强壮 | 较瘦 | | 斑点 | 中央有黑点 | 无黑点 | | 水性 | 喜水 | 避水 |

6）生态系统中的作用

• 属于 顶级捕食者
• 控制猎物数量
• 维持雨林生态平衡

7）单独出现 “jaguars” 的含义

如果只看到 jaguars，通常表示：

• 雨林动物举例
• 捕食者分类
• 图片说明
• 生物或地理词汇

8）发音

• jaguars 中文可近似理解为：“杰格瓦兹 / 美洲豹”

If you want, paste the full sentence, diagram, or exam question (e.g., rainforest food webs or canopy adaptations), and I’ll explain exactly why jaguars are mentioned and what concept they illustrate（中英对照、直击考点）.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “three-toed sloth” literally means

A three-toed sloth is a slow-moving tree-dwelling mammal found in Central and South American rainforests. The name comes from the fact that it has three toes on each limb.

In simple terms: three-toed sloth = a very slow rainforest animal that lives in trees and has three toes

2) Key physical characteristics

• Three toes: All four limbs have three long, curved claws used to hang from branches.
• Body shape: Short neck, rounded head, and long limbs adapted for hanging upside down.
• Fur: Long and coarse; often looks greenish because algae grow in it.
• Face: Often appears to be “smiling,” giving sloths a gentle look.

3) Behavior and lifestyle

• Extremely slow: One of the slowest mammals on Earth.
• Arboreal: Lives almost entirely in the canopy of tropical forests.
• Upside-down living: Eats, sleeps, and even gives birth while hanging from branches.
• Low energy lifestyle: Moves slowly to conserve energy due to a low-calorie diet.

4) Diet and digestion

• Herbivore: Eats mainly leaves, plus some buds and flowers.
• Slow digestion: Food can take weeks to digest.
• Low metabolism: This explains their slow movement and calm behavior.

5) Camouflage and survival

Three-toed sloths survive by not being noticed:

• Slow movement avoids attracting attention
• Greenish fur blends with moss and leaves
• Algae and insects living in the fur help camouflage the sloth

This is a classic example of adaptation to the canopy environment.

6) Difference from two-toed sloths (important clarification)

| Feature | Three-toed sloth | Two-toed sloth | | -------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------- | | Toes | 3 on all limbs | 2 on front limbs | | Neck | Longer (can rotate head far) | Shorter | | Activity | More diurnal | More nocturnal | | Diet | Mostly leaves | Leaves + fruit |

Despite the names, both have three toes on their hind feet.

7) Ecological role

• Part of rainforest food webs
• Provide habitat for algae, insects, and fungi in their fur
• Help illustrate co-evolution and symbiosis

8) How the term is used if it appears alone

If you see “three-toed sloth” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a species example in rainforest or canopy lessons,
• an example of extreme adaptation,
• a label or caption under a picture,
• a biology vocabulary term.

9) Pronunciation

• three-toed sloth /θriː toʊd slɒθ/ Sounds like: THREE-tohd sloth

中文（详细解释）

1）“three-toed sloth”的基本意思

three-toed sloth 指 三趾树懒，是一种生活在 中美洲和南美洲热带雨林 的 树栖哺乳动物，因 每只脚有三根脚趾 而得名。

简单说： three-toed sloth = 生活在雨林树上的慢动作动物

2）主要身体特征

• 三根脚趾：四肢都有三根长而弯曲的爪
• 适合倒挂：身体结构非常适合长期倒挂在树枝上
• 毛发粗长：常因藻类生长而呈绿色
• 表情温和

3）生活方式

• 动作极慢：是地球上最慢的哺乳动物之一
• 树栖生活：几乎一生都在 树冠层 中
• 节能生存：慢速行动有助于节省能量
• 倒挂生活：吃、睡、繁殖都在树上完成

4）饮食与消化

• 食草动物：主要吃树叶
• 消化极慢：消化一次食物可能需要数周
• 新陈代谢低：这正是行动缓慢的原因

5）伪装与生存策略

三趾树懒的生存策略是 “不被发现”：

• 移动慢，不易被察觉
• 绿色毛发与森林环境融为一体
• 毛发中的藻类和昆虫形成 共生关系

6）与二趾树懒的区别（常见考点）

| 特征 | 三趾树懒 | 二趾树懒 | | ---- | ---- | ------ | | 前肢趾数 | 3 | 2 | | 颈部 | 较灵活 | 较短 | | 活动时间 | 偏白天 | 偏夜间 | | 食性 | 以叶为主 | 叶 + 果实 |

注意：两种树懒的后肢都是三趾。

7）生态意义

• 属于雨林 食物网的一部分
• 体现 共生与适应性进化
• 是研究 树冠层生态 的经典物种

8）单独出现该词的含义

如果只看到 three-toed sloth，通常表示：

• 雨林动物示例
• 树冠层适应性代表物种
• 图片说明或词汇条目

9）发音

• three-toed sloth 中文可理解为：“斯里-托德 斯洛斯 / 三趾树懒”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence, diagram, or exam question (for example about rainforest canopy adaptations or food webs), and I’ll explain exactly why the three-toed sloth is mentioned and what concept it illustrates（中英对照，直击考点）.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “toucans” literally means

Toucans is the plural noun of toucan. Toucans are tropical birds best known for their very large, colorful beaks and their life in rainforest canopies.

In simple terms: toucans = tropical birds with big, bright beaks

2) Key characteristics of toucans

• Beak: Extremely large but lightweight (honeycomb-like structure); used for reaching fruit, display, and temperature regulation.
• Diet: Mainly fruit-eaters (frugivores), but also eat insects, eggs, and small animals.
• Color: Brightly colored bills and feathers (yellow, orange, red, green, black).
• Feet: Zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two backward) for gripping branches.
• Flight: Short, direct flights between trees; not long-distance flyers.

3) Habitat and range

• Found in Central and South America.
• Live mostly in tropical rainforests, especially the canopy and upper understorey.
• Often seen perched high in trees rather than on the forest floor.

4) Why the beak is so big (important concept)

Despite appearances, the beak is:

• Light, not heavy
• Useful for reaching fruit on thin branches
• Helps with heat control (blood flow releases excess heat)
• Important in courtship and social signaling

This is a classic example of adaptation.

5) Ecological role

Toucans are important because they:

• Disperse seeds by eating fruit and spreading seeds through droppings
• Help maintain rainforest plant diversity
• Are part of complex food webs

6) How the word is used if it appears alone

If you see “toucans” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a topic heading (rainforest animals),
• an example of birds adapted to canopy life,
• a label under an image,
• or a vocabulary term in biology/geography.

7) Pronunciation

• toucan /ˈtuː.kæn/
• toucans /ˈtuː.kænz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“toucans”的基本意思

toucans 是 toucan（巨嘴鸟） 的复数形式。 巨嘴鸟是一类生活在 中南美洲热带雨林 的鸟类，以 巨大而鲜艳的喙 闻名。

简单说： toucans = 有巨大彩色嘴巴的热带鸟类

2）主要特征

• 喙很大但很轻：内部是蜂窝状结构
• 食性：以 水果为主，也吃昆虫、小型动物
• 羽色鲜艳：有助于交流和识别
• 足部结构：两前两后的趾型，便于抓握树枝
• 飞行能力：短距离飞行，善于在树林间移动

3）栖息地与分布

• 分布在 中美洲和南美洲
• 主要活动在 热带雨林的树冠层和林下上层

4）巨大喙的意义（常考点）

巨嘴鸟的喙并不是负担，而是：

• 方便 取食远处果实
• 用于 散热调温
• 作为 求偶和社交信号

这是典型的 结构与功能相适应 的例子。

5）生态系统中的作用

• 传播种子，促进森林更新
• 维持 植物多样性
• 是雨林食物网的重要成员

6）单独出现 “toucans” 的含义

如果只看到 toucans，通常表示：

• 章节标题 / 分类名称
• 雨林动物示例
• 图片说明
• 生物或地理词汇

7）发音

• toucans /ˈtuːkænz/ 中文可近似理解为：“图-坎兹 / 巨嘴鸟”

If you want, paste the full sentence, diagram, or exam question (e.g., rainforest canopy adaptations or seed dispersal), and I’ll explain exactly why toucans are mentioned and what concept they illustrate（中英对照、直击考点）.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “orchids” literally means

Orchids is the plural noun of orchid. It refers to plants in the orchid family (Orchidaceae)—one of the largest and most diverse plant families on Earth. Orchids are flowering plants known for their complex, often beautiful flowers.

In simple terms: orchids = a very large group of flowering plants with specialized flowers

2) Key characteristics of orchids

• Flowers: Highly specialized shapes; often bilaterally symmetrical with a distinctive petal called the labellum (lip) that attracts pollinators.
• Pollination: Frequently insect-pollinated, sometimes by a single specific species (very precise adaptation).

• Growth forms:

• Epiphytic (grow on trees, not parasitic)

• Terrestrial (grow in soil)
• Roots: Many have aerial roots with a spongy layer (velamen) that absorbs moisture from air.
• Seeds: Extremely tiny and dust-like, produced in huge numbers.

3) Orchids in ecosystems

Orchids play important ecological roles:

• Form specialized relationships with pollinators (bees, moths, flies, birds).
• Many rely on mycorrhizal fungi to germinate and obtain nutrients when young.
• Serve as indicators of healthy, stable ecosystems, especially forests.

4) Where orchids are found

• Found worldwide, but most diverse in tropical rainforests.
• Common in forest canopies and understorey, where they use trees for support to reach light.
• Some species grow in temperate regions, grasslands, or even near wetlands.

5) Orchids and adaptation (science focus)

Orchids are classic examples of evolutionary adaptation:

• Flower shapes match specific pollinators
• Some mimic insects or produce strong scents
• High specialization increases pollination efficiency but also vulnerability

6) How the word is used if it appears alone

If you see “orchids” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a plant group name,
• an example of insect-pollinated plants,
• a label under a picture or diagram,
• a biology vocabulary term.

7) Pronunciation

• orchid /ˈɔːr.kɪd/
• orchids /ˈɔːr.kɪdz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“orchids”的基本意思

orchids 是 orchid（兰花） 的复数形式，指 兰科植物。 兰科是 地球上物种最多的植物科之一，以 结构复杂、形态多样的花朵 著称。

简单说： orchids = 兰花，一大类开花植物

2）兰花的主要特征

• 花结构特殊：左右对称，有明显的 唇瓣 用来吸引传粉者
• 授粉方式：多为 虫媒授粉，有时高度专一

• 生长方式：

• 附生兰（长在树上，但不寄生）

• 地生兰（长在土里）
• 根系：常有 气生根，可直接吸收空气中的水分
• 种子极小，数量巨大

3）生态系统中的作用

• 与昆虫形成 高度专化的授粉关系
• 幼苗依赖 真菌共生 才能发芽
• 常被视为 生态环境健康的指示植物

4）分布环境

• 全球都有，但以 热带雨林 最丰富
• 常见于 树冠层和林下层
• 也有耐寒、耐旱的品种分布在温带地区

5）适应性与进化（考试重点）

兰花是 自然选择与适应进化 的经典例子：

• 花形与传粉者高度匹配
• 有些会 拟态昆虫 或释放强烈气味
• 专一性高，效率高，但对环境变化敏感

6）单独出现 “orchids” 的含义

如果只看到 orchids，通常表示：

• 植物分类名称
• 虫媒授粉植物的例子
• 图片或图表标签
• 生物学词汇

7）发音

• orchids /ˈɔːrkɪdz/ 中文可近似理解为：“奥-克兹 / 兰花”

If you want, paste the full sentence, diagram, or exam question (for example about pollination, coevolution, or forest layers), and I’ll explain exactly why orchids are mentioned and what concept they illustrate（中英对照、直击考点）.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “vines” literally means

Vines is the plural noun of vine. It refers to plants with long, flexible stems that climb, trail, or spread rather than standing upright on their own.

In simple terms: vines = plants that grow by climbing or creeping instead of standing straight

2) How vines grow and climb

Vines use other objects for support instead of building thick, rigid stems. They may climb by:

• Twining around supports (wrapping stems around trees or poles)
• Tendrils (thin, curling structures that grab onto supports)
• Hooks or spines
• Aerial roots that stick to surfaces (walls, tree bark)

This strategy saves energy and helps vines reach sunlight.

3) Where vines are commonly found

• Forests (especially in tropical forests, where they are often called lianas)
• Forest edges and understorey
• Gardens and farms
• Walls, fences, and trees

Vines are especially common in warm, wet climates, but many also grow in temperate regions.

4) Examples of vines

• Grapevines (grapes)
• Ivy
• Morning glory
• Peas and beans
• Climbing roses

Some vines are woody, others are soft and flexible.

5) Ecological role of vines

Vines:

• Compete with trees for light
• Provide food and shelter for animals
• Connect forest layers, allowing animals to move between levels
• Can sometimes overgrow trees, affecting forest structure

In tropical forests, vines are a major part of the canopy and understorey.

6) How the word is used if it appears alone

If you see “vines” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a plant category name,
• a label in a forest-layers diagram,
• a vocabulary word in ecology or biology,
• an example of climbing plants.

7) Pronunciation

• vine /vaɪn/
• vines /vaɪnz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“Vines”的基本意思

vines 是 vine（藤蔓植物） 的复数形式，指 茎细长、柔软，不能独立直立生长，而是 攀爬或蔓延生长 的植物。

简单说： vines = 藤蔓植物

2）藤蔓是如何攀爬的

藤蔓植物通常通过以下方式生长：

• 缠绕（茎绕着支撑物转）
• 卷须（细长结构抓住支撑物）
• 钩刺
• 气生根（贴附在树皮或墙面）

这种方式能 节省能量，快速到达有阳光的地方。

3）藤蔓的生长环境

• 森林中（尤其热带雨林）
• 林下层和林缘
• 花园、农田
• 树干、围栏、墙壁

4）常见藤蔓植物

• 葡萄藤
• 常春藤
• 牵牛花
• 豆类植物
• 攀缘玫瑰

有些藤蔓是 木质的，有些是 草质的。

5）生态系统中的作用

藤蔓：

• 与乔木竞争 阳光
• 为动物提供 食物和藏身处
• 连接森林不同层次
• 在某些情况下会 覆盖树木，影响森林结构

6）单独出现 “Vines” 的含义

如果只看到 Vines，通常表示：

• 植物分类名称
• 图表或图片标签
• 生态学词汇

7）发音

• vines /vaɪnz/ 中文可近似理解为：“外恩兹 / 藤蔓”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or diagram (for example, a forest layers or plant adaptation passage), and I’ll explain exactly why vines are mentioned there and what concept they illustrate（中英对照、直击考点）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “understorey” literally means

Understorey (British/Canadian spelling; understory in American English) is the layer of vegetation that grows beneath the forest canopy but above the forest floor.

In simple terms: understorey = the middle plant layer under the tree canopy

2) What grows in the understorey

The understorey typically includes:

• Small trees (saplings, young trees)
• Shrubs
• Tall grasses and ferns
• Shade-tolerant plants

These plants receive filtered sunlight, not full sun.

3) Why the understorey is important

The understorey plays key roles in forest ecosystems:

• Provides habitat and shelter for birds, insects, and small mammals
• Supplies food (berries, leaves, insects)
• Protects soil by reducing erosion
• Supports forest regeneration (young trees grow here before reaching the canopy)

4) Forest layers (contextual placement)

Forests are often described as having layers:

1. Canopy – tall tree tops forming a roof
2. Understorey – shrubs and young trees beneath
3. Forest floor – mosses, leaf litter, fungi, decomposers

Understanding the understorey helps explain light competition and plant adaptation.

5) Light and adaptation

Plants in the understorey are adapted to low light:

• Larger or broader leaves
• Darker green color (more chlorophyll)
• Slower growth rates

6) Understorey vs similar terms

| Term | Meaning | | --------------- | ------------------------------- | | understorey | Middle vegetation layer | | canopy | Upper tree layer | | forest floor | Ground layer | | shrub layer | Often overlaps with understorey |

7) How the word is used if it appears alone

If you see “understorey” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a diagram label in a forest-layers illustration,
• a key ecology vocabulary term,
• a section heading in a science or geography text.

8) Pronunciation

• understorey /ˈʌn.dəˌstɔː.ri/ Sounds like UN-der-stor-ee

中文（详细解释）

1）“understorey”的基本意思

understorey（英式/加式拼写，美式为 understory）指 位于森林树冠层之下、林地层之上的植被层，中文常称 林下层 / 下木层。

简单说： understorey = 树冠下面的中间植物层

2）林下层包含哪些植物

• 小乔木、幼树
• 灌木
• 蕨类、高草
• 耐阴植物

这些植物只能接收到 被树冠过滤后的阳光。

3）林下层的重要性

林下层：

• 为鸟类、小型哺乳动物和昆虫提供 栖息地
• 提供 食物来源（果实、叶片、昆虫）
• 减少 水土流失
• 是森林 更新和演替 的关键区域

4）森林分层结构（常考）

森林通常分为：

1. 树冠层（canopy）
2. 林下层（understorey）
3. 林地层（forest floor）

5）植物适应性

林下层植物常具有：

• 较大的叶片
• 颜色较深的叶绿素
• 较慢的生长速度

以适应 弱光环境。

6）与相近概念对比

| 英文 | 中文 | | ------------ | --- | | canopy | 树冠层 | | understorey | 林下层 | | forest floor | 林地层 |

7）单独出现 “understorey” 的含义

若只看到 understorey，通常表示：

• 图示标签
• 生态学词汇
• 森林结构层级之一

8）发音

• understorey /ˈʌndəstɔːri/ 中文可近似理解为：“安德-斯托-瑞”

If you want, you can paste the 完整句子、图表或考试题（例如关于 光照、森林分层或植物适应性），我可以帮你 结合语境精准讲解 understorey 的考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “canopy” literally means

A canopy is the upper layer formed by the tops of trees or plants, where leaves and branches overlap to create a kind of roof over what is below.

In simple terms: canopy = the leafy “ceiling” at the top of a forest or plant community

2) Canopy in ecology (most common meaning)

In forests, the canopy:

• Is made up of tree crowns (branches + leaves)
• Intercepts sunlight, rain, and wind
• Strongly influences the microclimate below (light, temperature, moisture)

Many textbooks describe forests by layers:

1. Canopy – main leafy roof
2. Understory – smaller trees/shrubs beneath
3. Forest floor – ground layer (ferns, mosses, leaf litter)

3) Why the canopy matters

The canopy:

• Controls how much light reaches the ground
• Provides habitat for birds, insects, and mammals
• Affects photosynthesis and plant competition
• Helps regulate water by slowing rainfall and reducing erosion

In rainforests, the canopy is often the most biologically diverse layer.

4) Canopy cover (common term)

Canopy cover means the percentage of ground shaded by the canopy when viewed from above.

• High canopy cover → dense forest
• Low canopy cover → open woodland or grassland

This term is widely used in ecology, forestry, and geography.

5) Other meanings of “canopy”

Outside ecology, canopy can also mean:

• A cloth cover (e.g., a bed canopy)
• A tent-like structure
• A parachute canopy

But in science texts, it almost always refers to the plant/forest layer.

6) How the word is used if it appears alone

If you see “canopy” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a label on a forest diagram,
• a key vocabulary word in ecology,
• a heading describing forest structure.

7) Pronunciation

• canopy /ˈkæn.ə.pi/ Sounds like KAN-uh-pee

中文（详细解释）

1）“canopy”的基本意思

canopy 指 树冠层，是由树木顶部的 枝叶相互覆盖 形成的 上层结构，像一顶“绿色屋顶”。

简单说： canopy = 森林上方的树冠层

2）生态学中的“树冠层”

在森林生态系统中，树冠层：

• 由 树冠 组成
• 遮挡阳光、雨水和风
• 决定下层的 光照、湿度和温度

森林常被分为不同层次：

1. 树冠层（canopy）
2. 下木层（understory）
3. 林地层（forest floor）

3）树冠层的重要性

树冠层：

• 决定地表 能获得多少光
• 为鸟类、昆虫、哺乳动物提供 栖息地
• 影响植物生长竞争
• 减缓降雨，减少 水土流失

4）“canopy cover”（常考术语）

canopy cover（树冠覆盖率） 指：

从上方看，树冠遮住地面的百分比

• 覆盖率高 → 森林密
• 覆盖率低 → 林地稀疏或草地

5）其他含义

在非生态语境中，canopy 也可指：

• 床幔
• 帐篷
• 降落伞伞面

但在 Science / Geography 中，几乎一定指 树冠层。

6）单独出现 “canopy” 的含义

如果只看到 canopy，通常表示：

• 图表标签
• 生态系统术语
• 森林结构中的一个层级

7）发音

• canopy /ˈkænəpi/ 中文可近似理解为：“坎-纳-皮”

If you want, paste the full sentence, diagram, or exam question where canopy appears (e.g., forest layers or light competition), and I’ll explain exactly what role it plays in that context（中英对照、直击考点）.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “Tropic of Capricorn” means

The Tropic of Capricorn is an imaginary line of latitude at about 23.5° south of the Equator. It marks the southernmost point on Earth where the Sun can be directly overhead (at noon) during the year.

In simple terms: Tropic of Capricorn = the southern limit of the tropics

2) Why it exists (Earth’s tilt)

• Earth’s axis is tilted about 23.5°.
• Because of this tilt, the Sun’s direct rays shift north and south through the year.
• The farthest south those direct rays can reach is the Tropic of Capricorn.

3) When the Sun is overhead there

• This occurs on the December solstice (around December 21–22).
• On that day, places along the Tropic of Capricorn experience the highest noon Sun angle of the year and the Southern Hemisphere’s summer solstice.

4) Climate significance

• The Tropic of Capricorn forms the southern boundary of the tropical zone.
• Areas between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn receive more direct sunlight year-round and are generally warmer.
• Regions south of it never have the Sun directly overhead.

5) Where it passes

The Tropic of Capricorn crosses parts of:

• South America (Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil)
• Africa (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique)
• Australia
• The Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean

6) Name origin

• “Capricorn” comes from the zodiac constellation Capricornus.
• It has nothing to do with animals or astrology effects on climate—it’s a historical naming.

7) Quick comparison

| Line | Latitude | Meaning | | ----------------------- | ----------- | ----------------------------- | | Equator | 0° | Middle of Earth | | Tropic of Cancer | 23.5° N | Northern limit of tropics | | Tropic of Capricorn | 23.5° S | Southern limit of tropics |

中文（详细解释）

1）“Tropic of Capricorn”的基本意思

Tropic of Capricorn 中文叫 南回归线，是一条位于 南纬约 23.5° 的 假想纬线。 它表示 太阳一年中能够直射到达的最南界线。

简单说： 南回归线 = 热带的最南边界

2）形成原因（地轴倾斜）

• 地球地轴倾斜约 23.5°
• 太阳直射点在一年中南北移动
• 南回归线 是直射点能到达的 最南位置

3）太阳直射的时间

• 南半球夏至 / 冬至对北半球（约 12 月 21–22 日）
• 当天，南回归线地区 正午太阳直射

4）气候意义

• 南回归线以北、北回归线以南属于 热带
• 太阳高度角大，全年较 温暖
• 南回归线以南 不会出现太阳直射

5）经过的地区

南回归线穿过：

• 南美洲（智利、阿根廷、巴拉圭、巴西）
• 非洲南部（纳米比亚、博茨瓦纳、南非、莫桑比克）
• 澳大利亚

6）名称来源（常见误解）

• “Capricorn” 源自 摩羯座（Capricornus）
• 与星座运势无关

7）快速对比表

| 纬线 | 纬度 | 含义 | | -------- | ----------- | --------- | | 赤道 | 0° | 地球中线 | | 北回归线 | 23.5° N | 热带最北界 | | 南回归线 | 23.5° S | 热带最南界 |

If you want, paste the full sentence or exam question (e.g., about seasons, climate zones, or Earth–Sun geometry), and I’ll explain exactly why the Tropic of Capricorn is mentioned—中英对照、直击考点.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “Tropic of Cancer” means

The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line of latitude located at about 23.5° north of the Equator. It marks the northernmost point on Earth where the Sun can be directly overhead (at noon) during the year.

In simple terms: Tropic of Cancer = the northern limit of the tropics

2) Why it exists (Earth’s tilt)

• Earth’s axis is tilted about 23.5°.
• Because of this tilt, the Sun appears directly overhead at different latitudes during the year.
• The farthest north this can happen is the Tropic of Cancer.

3) When the Sun is overhead there

• This happens on the June solstice (around June 20–21).
• On that day, places along the Tropic of Cancer experience the highest noon Sun angle of the year.

4) Climate significance

• The Tropic of Cancer forms the northern boundary of the tropical zone.
• Regions between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn receive more direct sunlight over the year and are generally warmer.
• Areas north of it (like most of Canada) never have the Sun directly overhead.

5) Where it passes

The Tropic of Cancer crosses parts of:

• North America (Mexico)
• Africa (e.g., Sahara region)
• Asia (India, China, Middle East)

6) Name origin (important note)

• The name “Cancer” comes from the zodiac constellation Cancer.
• It has nothing to do with the disease.

7) Quick comparison

| Line | Latitude | Meaning | | ------------------- | -------- | ------------------------- | | Equator | 0° | Middle of Earth | | Tropic of Cancer | 23.5° N | Northern limit of tropics | | Tropic of Capricorn | 23.5° S | Southern limit of tropics |

中文（详细解释）

1）“Tropic of Cancer”的基本意思

Tropic of Cancer 中文叫 北回归线，是一条位于 北纬约 23.5° 的 假想纬线。 它表示 太阳一年中能够直射到达的最北界线。

简单说： 北回归线 = 热带的最北边界

2）形成原因（地轴倾斜）

• 地球地轴倾斜约 23.5°
• 因此太阳直射点会在南北之间移动
• 北回归线就是 直射点能到达的最北位置

3）太阳直射的时间

• 夏至（约 6 月 20–21 日）
• 当天，北回归线上的地区 正午太阳直射

4）气候意义

• 北回归线以南属于 热带地区
• 日照角度更高，整体 气候较热
• 北回归线以北（如加拿大）永远不会出现太阳直射

5）经过的地区

北回归线穿过：

• 墨西哥
• 非洲北部（撒哈拉一带）
• 亚洲（印度、中国、阿拉伯地区）

6）名称来源（常见误解）

• “Cancer” 来自 巨蟹座
• 与“癌症”无关

7）快速对比表

| 纬线 | 纬度 | 含义 | | ---- | ------- | ----- | | 赤道 | 0° | 地球中线 | | 北回归线 | 23.5° N | 热带最北界 | | 南回归线 | 23.5° S | 热带最南界 |

If you want, paste the full sentence or exam question (e.g., about seasons, climate zones, or Earth–Sun geometry), and I’ll explain exactly why the Tropic of Cancer is mentioned—中英对照、直击考点.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “prairie” literally means

A prairie is a type of large, open grassland with few or no trees, found mainly in central North America. The land is usually flat or gently rolling and covered mostly by grasses and wildflowers.

In simple terms: prairie = wide, open grassland

2) Key characteristics of prairies

• Vegetation: Dominated by grasses; trees are rare
• Climate: Moderate rainfall—not wet enough for forests, not dry enough for deserts
• Soil: Very fertile, rich in organic matter (excellent for farming)
• Wind & fire: Frequent wind and periodic fires help prevent trees from growing

3) Types of prairies

Prairies are often divided into types based on rainfall:

| Type | Rainfall | Description | | ----------------------- | -------- | ------------------------------- | | Tallgrass prairie | Higher | Tall grasses, very fertile soil | | Mixed-grass prairie | Medium | Mix of tall and short grasses | | Shortgrass prairie | Lower | Short grasses, drier conditions |

4) Animals commonly found in prairies

• Grazers: Bison, deer, cattle
• Burrowing animals: Gophers, prairie dogs
• Predators: Coyotes, hawks
• Birds: Meadowlarks, hawks, owls

Many animals are adapted for open spaces, burrowing, or running.

5) Ecological importance

Prairies:

• Support high biodiversity
• Store large amounts of carbon in deep root systems
• Prevent soil erosion
• Depend on grazing and fire to stay healthy

6) Prairie vs forest vs desert

| Feature | Prairie | Forest | Desert | | -------- | ------------ | -------- | ------------- | | Trees | Few | Many | Very few | | Rainfall | Medium | High | Very low | | Plants | Grasses | Trees | Sparse plants | | Soil | Very fertile | Moderate | Poor |

7) How the word is used if it appears alone

If you see “prairie” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a habitat name (e.g., prairie ecosystem),
• a geography or ecology term,
• a label on a map or diagram,
• a vocabulary word in science.

8) Pronunciation

• prairie /ˈprɛr.i/ or /ˈprer.i/ Sounds like PRER-ee.

中文（详细解释）

1）“prairie”的基本意思

prairie 指 大草原，是一种 以草类为主、几乎没有树木 的开阔地形，主要分布在 北美中部。

简单说： prairie = 北美大草原

2）主要特征

• 植被： 以草为主，树木稀少
• 气候： 降水量中等
• 土壤： 非常肥沃，适合农业
• 自然干扰： 风大、周期性火灾抑制树木生长

3）草原类型

| 类型 | 中文 | 特点 | | ------------------- | ---- | -------- | | Tallgrass prairie | 高草草原 | 草高、土壤最肥沃 | | Mixed-grass prairie | 混合草原 | 中等高度 | | Shortgrass prairie | 矮草草原 | 较干燥 |

4）草原上的典型动物

• 食草动物： 野牛、鹿
• 穴居动物： 地鼠、草原犬鼠
• 捕食者： 郊狼、猛禽
• 鸟类： 草原鸟类

5）生态意义（考试常考）

• 维持 生物多样性
• 深根草类 固碳、防侵蚀
• 依赖 放牧与火 维持生态平衡

6）与森林、沙漠对比

| 特点 | 草原 | 森林 | 沙漠 | | -- | -- | -- | -- | | 树木 | 少 | 多 | 极少 | | 降水 | 中等 | 高 | 很低 | | 土壤 | 肥沃 | 中等 | 贫瘠 |

7）单独出现 “prairie” 的含义

如果只看到 prairie，通常表示：

• 生境名称
• 地理/生态术语
• 地图或图片标签
• 科学词汇

8）发音

• prairie /ˈprɛri/ 中文可近似读作：“普雷里”

If you want, you can paste the 完整句子、地图或考试题（例如关于 prairie food webs 或生态适应 的内容），我可以帮你 逐句解释并标出考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “burrow” literally means

Burrow can be both a noun and a verb.

• Noun: a hole or tunnel dug in the ground by an animal
• Verb: to dig or move into the ground to make such a hole

In simple terms: burrow = an underground home or tunnel made by animals

2) Burrow (noun): what it is

A burrow is an underground space used by animals for:

• Shelter
• Protection from predators
• Temperature control (cool in summer, warm in winter)
• Raising young
• Food storage (in some species)

Examples:

• “The gopher lives in a burrow.”
• “Foxes rest in deep burrows.”

3) Burrow (verb): what animals do

To burrow means:

• to dig into soil, sand, or snow, or
• to hide or settle deeply inside something

Examples:

• “Gophers burrow underground.”
• “The snake burrowed into the sand.”

4) Animals that commonly burrow

• Gophers
• Rabbits
• Moles
• Badgers
• Foxes
• Prairie dogs
• Some insects and reptiles

5) Burrows in ecosystems (important concept)

Burrows affect ecosystems by:

• Loosening and aerating soil
• Improving water infiltration
• Creating habitats for other organisms
• Influencing plant growth and nutrient cycling

Animals that do this are sometimes called ecosystem engineers.

6) Burrow vs similar words

| Word | Difference | | ---------- | ------------------------------- | | burrow | underground tunnel | | nest | built above ground or in trees | | den | shelter (often larger animals) | | hole | general, not necessarily a home |

7) Pronunciation

• burrow /ˈbɝː.oʊ/ (North American) Sounds like BUR-oh

中文（详细解释）

1）“burrow”的基本意思

burrow 既可以作 名词，也可以作 动词。

• 名词： 动物在地下挖出的 洞穴 / 地道
• 动词： 挖洞、钻入地下

简单说： burrow = 动物挖的地下洞穴 / 挖洞

2）作名词：burrow（洞穴）

动物的 burrow 用来：

• 躲避天敌
• 保温或降温
• 休息和繁殖
• 储存食物

例句：

• 地鼠住在地下 洞穴 中。
• 狐狸使用深 洞穴 作为藏身处。

3）作动词：burrow（挖洞）

burrow 表示：

• 在土、沙或雪中 挖洞、钻进去

例句：

• 地鼠会 挖洞 生活。
• 蛇钻进沙子里躲避高温。

4）常见会挖洞的动物

• 地鼠
• 兔子
• 鼹鼠
• 獾
• 狐狸
• 草原犬鼠
• 一些昆虫和爬行动物

5）生态意义（考试常见）

动物挖洞可以：

• 疏松土壤、增加通气性
• 改善水分渗透
• 为其他生物提供 栖息地
• 影响植物分布

6）与相近词对比

| 英文 | 中文区别 | | ---------- | ---------- | | burrow | 地下洞穴 | | nest | 巢（多在地面或树上） | | den | 兽穴（较大动物） | | hole | 普通的洞 |

7）发音

• burrow /ˈbɜːroʊ/ 中文可近似读作：“伯-若”

If you want, you can paste the 完整句子或课文段落（例如关于 gophers、coyotes、grassland ecosystems 的内容），我可以帮你 结合语境精确解释 burrow 的作用和考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “gophers” literally means

Gophers is the plural noun of gopher. In biology, it usually refers to small burrowing rodents, especially pocket gophers, known for living underground and pushing up soil mounds.

In simple terms: gophers = small digging rodents that live in tunnels underground

2) Key characteristics of gophers

• Burrowing lifestyle: Spend most of their lives underground in tunnel systems.
• Cheek pouches: Have fur-lined cheek pouches (like pockets) to carry food—this is why many are called pocket gophers.
• Diet: Herbivores—eat roots, tubers, bulbs, and grasses.
• Body features: Stocky bodies, short legs, strong claws, and prominent incisors for digging.
• Behavior: Mostly solitary and territorial.

3) Habitat and signs of presence

• Live in grasslands, meadows, farms, and forest edges.
• Often detected by fan-shaped or crescent soil mounds on the surface—evidence of tunnel excavation.

4) Ecological role

Gophers play important roles in ecosystems:

• Soil aeration: Their digging loosens soil and improves water infiltration.
• Nutrient mixing: Bring nutrients from deeper layers to the surface.
• Food web: Serve as prey for coyotes, hawks, owls, and snakes.

5) Human interactions

• Can be considered pests in agriculture because they damage crops and lawns.
• Also recognized as ecosystem engineers due to their positive soil effects.

6) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If you see “gophers” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a heading or topic label (e.g., grassland animals),
• an item in an animal list,
• a caption under a photo,
• or a vocabulary term in science.

7) Pronunciation

• gopher /ˈɡoʊ.fɚ/
• gophers /ˈɡoʊ.fɚz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“gophers”的基本意思

gophers 是 gopher（地鼠 / 囊地鼠） 的复数形式，指一类 善于挖洞、长期生活在地下的啮齿动物。

简单说： gophers = 生活在地下、会挖洞的地鼠

2）主要特征

• 地下生活：大部分时间在地下隧道中活动
• 颊囊发达：像口袋一样装食物（因此称“囊地鼠”）
• 食性：食草，吃根、块茎、草
• 身体结构：短腿、强壮前爪、门牙发达
• 行为：多为 独居

3）栖息环境与识别

• 常见于 草原、农田、林缘
• 地表可见 新翻的土堆，是其活动的明显标志

4）生态作用

地鼠在生态系统中具有重要作用：

• 疏松土壤、增加通气性
• 促进养分循环
• 是 捕食者的重要食物来源（如郊狼、猛禽、蛇）

5）与人类的关系

• 可能被视为 农业害兽（破坏作物、草坪）
• 同时也是 “生态工程师”，对土壤健康有益

6）单独出现 “gophers” 的含义

如果只看到 gophers，通常表示：

• 章节标题 / 分类名称
• 动物清单中的一项
• 图片说明
• 科学词汇

7）发音

• gophers /ˈɡoʊ.fɚz/ 中文可近似读作：“戈弗兹”

If you want, paste the full sentence or exam question where gophers appears (e.g., a grassland food web), and I’ll explain its exact role and why it’s mentioned in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “coyotes” literally means

Coyotes is the plural noun of coyote. Coyotes are medium-sized wild canines (Canis latrans) native to North America and closely related to wolves and dogs.

In simple terms: coyotes = wild, dog-like predators that are highly adaptable

2) Key characteristics of coyotes

• Appearance: Slim build, pointed ears, bushy tail; usually gray-brown fur
• Size: Smaller than wolves, larger than foxes
• Diet: Omnivores—eat small mammals, birds, insects, fruit, carrion, and human food scraps
• Intelligence: Highly adaptable and clever, excellent problem-solvers
• Vocalization: Famous for howling, yipping, and barking to communicate

3) Habitat and range

Coyotes have expanded dramatically and now live:

• In grasslands, forests, deserts, and mountains
• In rural, suburban, and even urban areas They are common across Canada (including BC), the U.S., and parts of Central America.

4) Behavior and social structure

• Usually nocturnal or crepuscular (active at night/dawn/dusk)
• Can be solitary, in pairs, or in small family groups
• Highly territorial, using vocalizations and scent marking

5) Ecological role

Coyotes are mesopredators that:

• Control populations of rodents and rabbits
• Help remove carrion (dead animals)
• Influence ecosystem balance, especially where larger predators are absent

6) Human–coyote interactions

• Coyotes often avoid people but can become habituated in cities
• Key safety ideas: don’t feed them, secure garbage, keep pets supervised
• In science texts, coyotes are often examples of adaptation to human-altered environments

7) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “coyotes”, it likely functions as:

• a topic heading (e.g., forest or grassland animals),
• a list item (e.g., foxes, coyotes, wolves),
• a caption under an image,
• or a vocabulary term in ecology.

8) Pronunciation

• coyote /kaɪˈoʊ.ti/ or /ˈkaɪ.oʊt/
• coyotes /kaɪˈoʊ.tiz/ or /ˈkaɪ.oʊts/

中文（详细解释）

1）“coyotes”的基本意思

coyotes 是 coyote（郊狼） 的复数形式。 郊狼是一种 野生犬科动物，原产于 北美，与狼和狗有亲缘关系。

简单说： coyotes = 适应能力很强的野生“狼狗类”动物

2）主要特征

• 外形： 身形瘦长、耳朵尖、尾巴蓬松
• 体型： 比狼小、比狐狸大
• 食性： 杂食性（啮齿动物、鸟类、昆虫、水果、腐肉等）
• 智力高、适应性强
• 叫声多样：嚎叫、吠叫、短促叫声

3）分布与生境

郊狼分布极广：

• 草原、森林、荒漠、山地
• 城市与郊区 也能生存 在 加拿大（包括 BC） 非常常见。

4）行为与社会结构

• 多在 夜间或清晨/黄昏 活动
• 可 独居、成对或小群体生活
• 领地意识强，通过叫声和气味标记

5）生态作用

郊狼属于 中型捕食者（中级捕食者）：

• 控制鼠类、兔类数量
• 清理腐肉
• 在缺乏大型捕食者时维持生态平衡

6）人与郊狼的关系

• 通常 回避人类，但城市中可能习惯人类环境
• 科学教材常用郊狼作为 适应人类环境的例子

7）单独出现 “coyotes” 的含义

若只看到 coyotes，通常是：

• 章节标题 / 分类名称
• 动物列表中的一项
• 图片说明
• 生态学词汇

8）发音

• coyotes 常读作 /kai-OU-teez/ 中文可近似理解为：“开-欧-提兹”

如果你把 完整句子或课文段落（例如 Science 10 的食物网或生态系统内容）贴出来，我可以帮你 精确解释 coyotes 在该语境中的含义与考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “kangaroos” literally means

Kangaroos is the plural noun of kangaroo. Kangaroos are large marsupial mammals native to Australia, famous for hopping on powerful hind legs and for carrying their young in a pouch.

In simple terms: kangaroos = large Australian animals that hop and carry babies in a pouch

2) Key characteristics of kangaroos

• Marsupials: Females have a pouch (marsupium) where the baby (joey) develops after birth.
• Locomotion: Move by hopping, using strong hind legs and elastic tendons—very energy-efficient over long distances.
• Tail: Long, muscular tail for balance and support (can act like a “fifth limb” when moving slowly).
• Diet: Herbivores—mainly grasses and low plants.
• Body size: Some species are among the largest marsupials.

3) Habitat and distribution

• Found across Australia in grasslands, open woodlands, savannas, and semi-arid regions.
• Prefer open habitats where hopping is efficient and visibility is good.

4) Behavior and social structure

• Often live in groups (called mobs).
• Mostly crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).
• Use thumping hind feet and body posture to communicate danger or dominance.

5) Reproduction (unique feature)

• Very short pregnancy; the tiny newborn crawls into the pouch.
• Females can practice embryonic diapause (pause development), allowing them to manage reproduction in changing conditions.

6) Ecological role

• Important grazers that influence grassland structure.
• Part of Australian food webs and nutrient cycling.

7) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If you see “kangaroos” by itself, it usually serves as:

• a topic heading or label,
• an example of marsupials,
• a list item in ecology/geography,
• a caption under an image.

8) Pronunciation

• kangaroo /ˌkæŋ.ɡəˈruː/
• kangaroos /ˌkæŋ.ɡəˈruːz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“kangaroos”的基本意思

kangaroos 是 kangaroo（袋鼠） 的复数形式。 袋鼠是 澳大利亚特有的大型有袋类哺乳动物，以 跳跃行走 和 育儿袋 著称。

简单说： kangaroos = 会跳跃、用育儿袋养幼崽的澳大利亚动物

2）主要特征

• 有袋类：雌性有 育儿袋，幼崽（joey）在袋中发育。
• 运动方式：依靠 强壮后肢跳跃，长距离移动非常省能。
• 尾巴：用于 平衡与支撑。
• 食性：食草，以草类为主。

3）分布与生境

• 分布于 澳大利亚各地，常见于草原、疏林地、半干旱区。
• 偏好 开阔环境。

4）行为与群体

• 常 群居（群称 mob）。
• 多在 清晨和傍晚 活动。
• 通过 跺脚、姿态 等方式交流。

5）繁殖特点

• 妊娠期短，幼崽极小，出生后进入育儿袋。
• 可进行 胚胎滞育，以适应环境变化。

6）生态作用

• 作为 食草动物 影响植被结构
• 参与生态系统的 能量与养分循环

7）单独出现 “kangaroos” 的含义

若只出现 kangaroos，通常是：

• 标题/标签
• 有袋类动物的例子
• 图片说明
• 生态或地理词汇

8）发音

• kangaroos /ˌkæŋɡəˈruːz/ 中文可近似读作：“坎-格-如兹”

如果你把 完整句子或课文段落（如关于草原放牧、食物网或适应性的内容）贴出来，我可以进一步 逐句解释其语境含义与考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “leopards” literally means

Leopards is the plural noun of leopard. Leopards are large wild cats known for their spotted coats, stealth, and adaptability.

In simple terms: leopards = powerful, stealthy big cats with spotted fur

2) Key identifying features

• Coat pattern: Dark rosettes (ring-shaped spots) on a yellow-gold background—this distinguishes leopards from cheetahs (solid spots).
• Build: Strong and muscular; not as slim as cheetahs.
• Climbing ability: Excellent climbers; often drag prey into trees to protect it from scavengers.
• Camouflage: Rosettes help them blend into forests, grasslands, and rocky areas.

3) Habitat and range

Leopards have one of the widest ranges of any big cat:

• Africa (savannas, forests)
• Asia (jungles, mountains, even deserts)

They can live near human settlements due to their adaptability.

4) Hunting and behavior

• Solitary and mostly nocturnal
• Ambush predators: rely on stealth rather than speed
• Diet: Very broad—antelope, deer, monkeys, birds, even fish

5) Leopards vs. cheetahs (quick comparison)

| Feature | Leopards | Cheetahs | | -------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | | Spots | Rosettes | Solid black spots | | Body | Stocky, powerful | Slim, built for speed | | Speed | Fast, but not fastest | Fastest land animal | | Climbing | Excellent climbers | Poor climbers | | Hunting | Stealth & strength | Speed chases |

6) Ecological role

Leopards are top predators that:

• Help control prey populations
• Maintain ecosystem balance
• Indicate healthy, diverse habitats

7) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If you see “leopards” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a heading or topic label,
• an item in an animal list (e.g., lions, leopards, cheetahs),
• a caption under an image,
• or a vocabulary term in biology/geography.

8) Pronunciation

• leopard /ˈlɛp.ərd/
• leopards /ˈlɛp.ərdz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“leopards”的基本意思

leopards 是 leopard（豹子） 的复数形式。 豹子是一种 大型猫科动物，以 斑点花纹、隐蔽性强、适应能力高 而著名。

简单说： leopards = 有斑点、善于潜行的大型猫科动物

2）主要特征

• 花纹： 玫瑰状斑点（中间空心），区别于猎豹的实心斑点
• 体型： 结实有力
• 爬树能力强：常把猎物拖到树上
• 保护色好：在森林和草地中不易被发现

3）栖息地与分布

豹子分布范围很广：

• 非洲
• 亚洲（森林、山地、荒漠）

适应力强，能在多种环境中生存。

4）捕猎与行为

• 多为 独居、夜行性
• 以 伏击 为主，而非高速追逐
• 食性广：鹿、羚羊、猴子、鸟类等

5）豹子 vs 猎豹（常考对比）

| 特点 | 豹子 | 猎豹 | | ---- | ----- | ---- | | 斑点 | 玫瑰状 | 实心点 | | 体型 | 强壮 | 修长 | | 奔跑 | 快但非最快 | 最快 | | 爬树 | 很强 | 很弱 | | 捕猎方式 | 潜行伏击 | 高速追逐 |

6）生态系统中的作用

• 属于 顶级捕食者
• 控制食草动物数量
• 维持生态平衡

7）单独出现 “leopards” 的含义

如果只看到 leopards，通常表示：

• 章节标题 / 分类名称
• 动物清单中的一项
• 图片说明
• 生物或地理词汇

8）发音

• leopards /ˈlɛpərdz/ 中文可近似读作：“莱帕兹”

如果你愿意，把 完整句子或课文段落（如草原生态、捕食者比较、适应性等）贴出来，我可以帮你 逐词拆解并标注考试要点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “cheetahs” literally means

Cheetahs is the plural noun of cheetah. It refers to a species of large wild cat best known as the fastest land animal.

In simple terms: cheetahs = very fast spotted big cats

2) Key characteristics of cheetahs

• Speed: Can reach ~100–120 km/h in short bursts (a few seconds).
• Body shape: Slim, lightweight body; long legs; flexible spine—built for speed, not strength.
• Spots: Solid black spots (unlike leopards’ rosettes).
• Face markings: Distinct black “tear lines” from eyes to mouth, reducing glare and aiding focus.
• Claws: Semi-retractable, acting like running spikes for traction.

3) Habitat and range

• Live mainly in African savannas and grasslands; a small, endangered population remains in Iran.
• Prefer open spaces where speed gives a hunting advantage.

4) Hunting and behavior

• Diurnal hunters (often hunt during the day).
• Rely on sight and speed, not ambush strength.
• Typically hunt small to medium antelope (e.g., gazelles).
• Usually solitary; males sometimes form small coalitions.

5) Ecological role

Cheetahs are predators that help control prey populations, contributing to ecosystem balance.

6) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “cheetahs”, it likely functions as:

• a topic heading (animals of the savanna),
• a list item (lions, leopards, cheetahs),
• a caption under an image,
• or a vocabulary term in biology/geography.

7) Pronunciation

• cheetah /ˈtʃiː.tə/
• cheetahs /ˈtʃiː.təz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“cheetahs”的基本意思

cheetahs 是 cheetah（猎豹） 的复数形式。 猎豹是 陆地上速度最快的动物。

简单说： cheetahs = 速度极快、身上有黑色斑点的大型猫科动物

2）猎豹的主要特征

• 速度极快：短距离可达 100–120 公里/小时
• 体型修长：适合高速奔跑，但力量不如狮、豹
• 黑色实心斑点（不是玫瑰状）
• “泪痕”：眼角到嘴边的黑线，减少阳光反射
• 半可伸缩爪：像跑鞋钉一样增强抓地力

3）栖息地与分布

• 主要分布在 非洲草原
• 伊朗有极少数残存种群
• 偏好 开阔地形

4）捕猎与行为

• 日间捕猎
• 靠 视力和速度，而不是伏击力量
• 多捕食 羚羊等小型有蹄动物
• 多为 独居，雄性有时结盟

5）生态作用

• 控制食草动物数量
• 维持 生态系统平衡

6）单独出现 “cheetahs” 的含义

如果只看到 cheetahs，通常是：

• 章节标题 / 分类名称
• 动物清单中的一项
• 图片说明
• 生物或地理词汇

7）发音

• cheetahs 读作 /ˈtʃiːtəz/ 中文可近似理解为：“奇塔兹”

If you want, paste the 完整句子或课文段落（如关于草原生态、捕食者或适应性的内容），我可以帮你 精确说明 cheetahs 在该语境中的含义与考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “grazing” literally means

Grazing is a noun and also the -ing form of the verb “graze.” It refers to the act of animals feeding on grasses and other low-growing plants.

In simple terms: grazing = animals eating grass or similar plants

2) Who grazes?

Typical grazing animals include:

• Cows and sheep
• Goats
• Horses
• Deer, elk, bison
• Some wild animals in savannas and grasslands

These animals are often called grazers.

3) Grazing vs. browsing (important distinction)

| Term | What is eaten | Examples | | ------------ | --------------------- | -------------- | | Grazing | Grass, low plants | Cows, horses | | Browsing | Leaves, shrubs, twigs | Deer, giraffes |

This distinction is common in biology and ecology texts.

4) Grazing in ecosystems

Grazing plays a major role in ecosystems:

• Controls plant growth (prevents grasses from overgrowing)
• Recycles nutrients through animal waste
• Maintains grasslands by preventing trees from taking over
• Supports food webs

Moderate grazing can be beneficial to ecosystems.

5) Overgrazing (key concept)

Overgrazing happens when animals eat plants faster than they can regrow.

Consequences include:

• Soil erosion
• Loss of plant cover
• Reduced biodiversity
• Land degradation

This term often appears in environmental science and geography.

6) Other meanings of “graze”

Besides feeding, graze can also mean:

• To touch lightly or scrape

• “The ball grazed his arm.”

But in science/ecology contexts, grazing almost always means feeding.

7) Pronunciation

• grazing /ˈɡreɪ.zɪŋ/ Sounds like GRAY-zing

中文（详细解释）

1）“grazing”的基本意思

grazing 指 放牧、吃草，是动物在草地上 啃食草类和低矮植物 的行为。

简单说： grazing = 动物吃草 / 放牧

2）哪些动物会放牧

常见 食草动物：

• 牛、羊
• 马
• 鹿、麋鹿
• 野牛
• 草原野生动物

这些动物被称为 放牧动物（grazers）。

3）grazing vs browsing（常考对比）

| 英文 | 中文 | 吃什么 | | ------------ | ---- | ------ | | grazing | 放牧 | 草、低矮植物 | | browsing | 取食灌木 | 树叶、嫩枝 |

4）放牧在生态系统中的作用

适度放牧可以：

• 控制植被高度
• 促进草地更新
• 维持草原生态
• 促进养分循环

5）过度放牧（overgrazing）

过度放牧 是考试中的高频概念，指：

动物取食速度超过植物再生速度

后果包括：

• 水土流失
• 草地退化
• 生物多样性下降
• 土地沙化

6）其他含义

graze 还可表示：

• 轻微擦过、掠过

• 球擦过他的手臂

但在 生物/地理课本 中，grazing 几乎总是指“放牧”。

7）发音

• grazing /ˈɡreɪzɪŋ/ 中文可近似读作：“格雷-兹英”

If you want, you can paste the 完整句子或考试题（例如关于草原、食物网或人类活动的内容），我可以帮你 精确解释 grazing 在该语境中的含义与考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “acacia” literally means

Acacia is a noun referring to a group of trees and shrubs in the genus Acacia (pea/legume family). They are especially common in Australia, Africa, and tropical–subtropical regions.

In simple terms: acacia = a thorny tree or shrub adapted to hot, dry environments

2) Key identifying features

• Leaves: Many species have small leaves or flattened leaf stems (phyllodes) to reduce water loss
• Thorns: Often present, helping protect the plant from grazing animals
• Flowers: Small but numerous, usually yellow or cream, forming fluffy balls or spikes
• Growth habit: Trees or shrubs, often with a spreading canopy

3) Adaptations (why acacias survive harsh climates)

Acacias show classic dry-environment adaptations:

• Reduced leaf area → less evaporation
• Deep or extensive roots → access to scarce water
• Thorns → defense against herbivores
• Nitrogen fixation → improves poor soils (via root bacteria)

These traits make acacias dominant in savannas and semi-deserts.

4) Ecological importance

• Provide food and shelter for insects, birds, and mammals
• Improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation
• Serve as keystone species in some ecosystems (many species depend on them)

5) Human uses

• Wood: Hard and durable (tools, furniture, fuel)
• Gum arabic: From some acacia species, used in food and medicine
• Cultural significance: National symbol in some countries; widely planted ornamentally

6) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “acacia”, it usually functions as:

• a plant name / species example,
• a label or caption under an image,
• a vocabulary term in ecology or geography,
• an example of drought-adapted plants.

7) Pronunciation

• acacia /əˈkeɪ.ʃə/ or /əˈkɑː.ʃə/ Sounds like uh-KAY-shuh (most common).

中文（详细解释）

1）“acacia”的基本意思

acacia 指 金合欢，是一类生长在 热带和亚热带地区 的 乔木或灌木，属于 豆科植物。

简单说： acacia = 金合欢，一种耐旱、常带刺的树或灌木

2）主要特征

• 叶片小或叶状柄（减少水分蒸发）
• 常有刺，防止动物啃食
• 花朵 多为 黄色或淡色，呈球状或穗状
• 树形 常见于稀树草原环境

3）环境适应性（常考点）

金合欢是 干旱环境适应植物 的典型例子：

• 减少蒸腾
• 根系发达
• 固氮能力强（改善贫瘠土壤）
• 抗啃食能力强

4）生态作用

• 为动物提供 食物和栖息地
• 改善土壤肥力
• 在非洲草原等生态系统中具有 关键物种 地位

5）人类用途

• 木材：坚硬耐用
• 阿拉伯胶（gum arabic）：食品和医药用途
• 观赏与文化象征：在部分国家具有象征意义

6）单独出现 “acacia” 的含义

如果只看到 acacia，通常表示：

• 植物名称
• 耐旱植物的例子
• 图片或图表说明
• 生态/地理词汇

7）发音

• acacia 常读作 /əˈkeɪʃə/ 中文可理解为：“阿-凯-夏”

If you want, paste the 完整句子或课文段落（例如关于 干旱生态系统或植物适应性 的内容），我可以帮你 逐句拆解并标出考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “clover” literally means

Clover is a noun referring to a group of low-growing flowering plants in the genus Trifolium (pea/legume family). They are common in lawns, meadows, and fields.

In simple terms: clover = a small plant with three-part leaves and round flower heads

2) Key identifying features

• Leaves: Usually three leaflets (the name Trifolium means “three leaves”)
• Flowers: Small flowers packed into round or oval heads (white, pink, or red)
• Growth habit: Low, spreading; often forms patches
• Family: Legumes (related to peas and beans)

Note: A four-leaf clover is rare and traditionally considered lucky.

3) Pollination and reproduction

Clover is mainly insect-pollinated:

• Attracts bees and other insects
• Produces nectar
• Has sticky pollen suited to insect transfer

This makes clover important for pollinator health.

4) Ecological importance (very common in science texts)

Clover plays several key roles:

• Nitrogen fixation: Special bacteria in its roots convert nitrogen from the air into a form plants can use → improves soil fertility
• Food source: Eaten by insects, livestock, and some wildlife
• Ground cover: Helps prevent soil erosion

5) Common types of clover

• White clover (very common in lawns)
• Red clover (taller, common in fields and meadows)
• Crimson clover (often used as a cover crop)

6) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If you see “clover” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a plant name or example of insect-pollinated wildflowers,
• a label under a picture,
• a vocabulary word in ecology/agriculture,
• or part of a list (e.g., grasses, clover, asters).

7) Pronunciation

• clover /ˈkloʊ.vɚ/ Sounds like KLOH-ver.

中文（详细解释）

1）“clover”的基本意思

clover 指 三叶草，是一类 低矮的开花植物，属于 豆科（Trifolium 属），在草地和草坪中非常常见。

简单说： clover = 三叶草

2）主要特征

• 叶片： 通常由 三片小叶 组成
• 花序： 小花聚成 圆形或椭圆形花球（白、粉、红色）
• 生长方式： 匍匐生长，容易成片
• 分类： 豆科植物

四叶草 属于基因突变，较罕见，常被视为幸运象征。

3）授粉方式

三叶草主要是 虫媒花：

• 吸引 蜜蜂 等昆虫
• 有 花蜜
• 花粉 黏性强，适合昆虫传播

4）生态与农业价值（考试常考）

• 固氮作用：根瘤菌把空气中的氮转化为植物可用形式，提高土壤肥力
• 食物来源：为昆虫、牲畜提供食物
• 保持水土：作为地被植物，减少水土流失

5）常见三叶草种类

• 白三叶草（草坪常见）
• 红三叶草（草地、牧草）
• 深红三叶草（常作绿肥）

6）单独出现 “clover” 的含义

如果只看到 clover，通常表示：

• 植物名称
• 虫媒授粉野花的例子
• 图片说明或词汇表条目

7）发音

• clover /ˈkloʊ.vər/ 中文可近似理解为：“克洛沃”

If you want, paste the 完整句子或课文段落（如 Science 10 的授粉或生态系统内容），我可以帮你 逐词拆解并标出考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “goldenrod” literally means

Goldenrod is a noun referring to a group of wildflower plants in the genus Solidago. They are named for their bright golden-yellow flowers arranged in clusters on tall stems.

In simple terms: goldenrod = tall yellow wildflowers commonly seen in late summer and fall

2) Key characteristics of goldenrod

• Flowers: Many small yellow flower heads grouped into plume-like or arching clusters
• Height: Often tall and upright (from knee-high to over a meter)
• Blooming season: Late summer to autumn
• Habitat: Meadows, grasslands, roadsides, forest edges

3) Pollination (important concept)

Goldenrod is insect-pollinated, not wind-pollinated.

• Attracts bees, butterflies, flies, and other insects
• Produces nectar and pollen
• One of the most important late-season food sources for pollinators

⚠️ Common misconception: Goldenrod does NOT cause hay fever.

• Its pollen is heavy and sticky, so it does not travel far in the air.
• Ragweed (a wind-pollinated plant) is the real cause of most fall allergies.

4) Goldenrod in ecosystems (Science 10 relevance)

Goldenrod:

• Supports pollinator populations
• Increases biodiversity
• Is a classic example of an insect-pollinated wildflower
• Often appears alongside asters in late-season meadows

5) How the word is used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “goldenrod”, it usually functions as:

• a plant name / species example,
• an example of insect-pollinated wildflowers,
• a label or caption under an image,
• a vocabulary term in ecology or biology.

6) Pronunciation

• goldenrod /ˈɡoʊl.dən.rɑːd/ Sounds like: GOHL-dən-rod

中文（详细解释）

1）“goldenrod”的基本意思

goldenrod 指 一枝黄花，是一类常见的 野生开花植物，学名属 Solidago。

名字直译为“金色的枝条”，形容它 金黄色的花序。

简单说： goldenrod = 一枝黄花，秋季常见的黄色野花

2）主要特征

• 花朵： 许多小黄花组成穗状或羽状花序
• 植株： 茎直立，通常较高
• 花期： 夏末到 秋季
• 生境： 草地、林缘、路边

3）授粉方式（常考点）

一枝黄花是 虫媒花：

• 吸引 蜜蜂、蝴蝶等昆虫
• 花粉 黏重，不随风飘散

⚠️ 常见误区： 一枝黄花不是导致花粉过敏的元凶。 真正引起秋季过敏的多是 豚草（ragweed），因为它是 风媒花。

4）生态系统中的作用

• 为传粉昆虫提供 重要秋季食物
• 提高野花群落的 物种多样性
• 常与 紫菀（asters） 一起出现，作为秋季野花代表

5）单独出现 “goldenrod” 的含义

如果只看到 goldenrod，通常表示：

• 植物名称
• 虫媒授粉野花的例子
• 图片或图表说明
• 生态学词汇

6）发音

• goldenrod /ˈɡoʊldənrɑːd/ 中文可近似读作：“戈登罗德”

If you want, you can paste the 完整句子或课文段落（例如 Science 10 关于授粉或生态系统的内容），我可以帮你 逐句拆解 + 标出考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “asters” literally means

Asters is the plural noun of aster. It refers to a group of wildflower plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae), known for their star-shaped flowers.

The word aster comes from Greek, meaning “star”, describing the flower’s shape.

In simple terms: asters = star-shaped wildflowers, often blooming in late summer and fall

2) Key characteristics of asters

• Flower shape: Looks like a single flower but is actually a composite flower head

• Disk florets in the center

• Ray florets (petal-like) around the edge
• Colors: Purple, blue, pink, white (yellow center is common)
• Blooming season: Late summer to autumn
• Habitat: Meadows, grasslands, forest edges, roadsides

3) Asters and pollination

Asters are typically insect-pollinated:

• Attract bees, butterflies, and other insects
• Produce nectar and pollen
• Important late-season food sources for pollinators

This makes asters ecologically important in temperate ecosystems.

4) Asters in ecosystems (Science 10 relevance)

Asters:

• Support pollinator populations
• Contribute to biodiversity
• Are part of wildflower communities
• Often appear in discussions of wind- vs. insect-pollinated plants (asters = insect-pollinated)

5) How the word is used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “asters”, it usually functions as:

• a plant category name,
• an example of insect-pollinated wildflowers,
• a label or caption under an image,
• a vocabulary term in a science or ecology text.

6) Pronunciation

• aster /ˈæs.tɚ/
• asters /ˈæs.tɚz/ Sounds like “ASS-ter(s)”.

中文（详细解释）

1）“asters”的基本意思

asters 是 aster（紫菀） 的复数形式，指一类 野生开花植物，属于 菊科。

“aster” 一词源自希腊语，意思是 “星星”，形容花朵呈放射状。

简单说： asters = 紫菀类野花，花形像星星

2）紫菀的主要特征

• 复合花序：看起来像一朵花，实际上由很多小花组成

• 中央是 管状花

• 周围是 舌状花
• 颜色：紫、蓝、粉、白色居多
• 花期：夏末到 秋季
• 生境：草地、林缘、路旁

3）紫菀与授粉

紫菀属于 虫媒花：

• 吸引 蜜蜂、蝴蝶等昆虫
• 提供 花蜜和花粉
• 是秋季重要的 传粉植物

4）生态系统中的作用（考试点）

• 支持传粉昆虫
• 增加植物多样性
• 是 野花群落 的组成部分
• 常作为 虫媒授粉植物 的例子

5）单独出现 “asters” 的含义

如果只看到 asters，通常表示：

• 植物名称 / 分类名称
• 野花举例
• 图片说明
• 科学词汇

6）发音

• asters /ˈæs.tɚz/ 中文可近似读作：“阿斯特兹”

If you want, you can paste the 完整句子或课文段落（例如 Science 10 的野花或授粉内容），我可以帮你 逐词拆解 + 标注考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “wind- and insect-pollinated wildflowers” means

This phrase describes wildflowers (naturally growing flowering plants) that are pollinated in two different ways:

• Wind-pollinated → pollen is carried by air currents
• Insect-pollinated → pollen is carried by insects (bees, butterflies, flies, beetles)

So, the phrase groups wildflowers by their pollination method.

In simple terms: wind- and insect-pollinated wildflowers = wildflowers that rely on wind or insects to transfer pollen

2) What pollination is (key concept)

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male parts of a flower (anthers) to the female parts (stigma). This process is necessary for:

• fertilization
• seed production
• plant reproduction

3) Wind-pollinated wildflowers (features)

Wind-pollinated plants do not rely on animals, so they usually have:

• Small, dull, or no petals
• No scent
• No nectar
• Large amounts of lightweight pollen
• Long, exposed stamens to release pollen easily

Examples (general): grasses, some meadow plants.

👉 Strategy: quantity over attraction — release lots of pollen and let the wind do the work.

4) Insect-pollinated wildflowers (features)

Insect-pollinated plants attract insects, so they usually have:

• Brightly colored petals
• Strong scent
• Nectar as a reward
• Sticky or heavy pollen that clings to insects
• Specific shapes that guide insects to pollen

Examples: daisies, lupines, buttercups.

👉 Strategy: attraction and precision — fewer pollen grains, but targeted delivery.

5) Key comparison (exam-friendly)

| Feature | Wind-pollinated | Insect-pollinated | | ---------- | --------------- | ----------------- | | Petals | Small / dull | Bright / showy | | Scent | None | Often strong | | Nectar | None | Present | | Pollen | Light, abundant | Sticky, heavier | | Efficiency | Low precision | High precision |

6) Why this phrase is used in science texts

When you see “wind- and insect-pollinated wildflowers”, the text is usually:

• comparing pollination strategies,
• explaining plant adaptations,
• describing biodiversity in ecosystems, or
• linking plant reproduction to environmental factors (wind, insects).

中文（详细解释）

1）“wind- and insect-pollinated wildflowers”的基本意思

这个短语指的是 野生开花植物（野花），它们通过 两种方式之一 完成授粉：

• 风媒授粉（wind-pollinated）：靠风传播花粉
• 虫媒授粉（insect-pollinated）：靠昆虫传播花粉

简单说： 风媒和虫媒授粉的野花

2）什么是授粉（核心概念）

授粉 是指 花粉从雄蕊传到雌蕊 的过程，是植物：

• 受精
• 结籽
• 繁殖 的必要步骤。

3）风媒野花的典型特征

风媒植物通常具有：

• 花小、不显眼
• 无香味
• 无花蜜
• 花粉多而轻
• 花药外露，利于散播

👉 依赖自然风力，而不是动物。

4）虫媒野花的典型特征

虫媒植物通常具有：

• 鲜艳的花瓣
• 香味
• 花蜜
• 黏性花粉，容易附着在昆虫身上
• 特殊花形，引导昆虫取蜜

👉 依靠昆虫的“精准投递”。

5）对比总结（考试常用）

| 特征 | 风媒花 | 虫媒花 | | ---- | ----- | ---- | | 花瓣 | 小、不显眼 | 鲜艳 | | 气味 | 无 | 有 | | 花蜜 | 无 | 有 | | 花粉 | 多、轻 | 少、黏 | | 授粉方式 | 随机 | 高效精准 |

6）为什么课本要用这个短语

看到 “wind- and insect-pollinated wildflowers”，通常是在：

• 讲 植物适应性
• 比较 授粉机制
• 描述 生态系统多样性
• 连接植物与 昆虫、环境因素

If you want, paste the 完整句子或课文段落（例如 Science 10 生态系统或阅读理解），我可以帮你 逐句拆解 + 标出考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “sticky” literally means

Sticky is an adjective describing something that clings, adheres, or sticks to other things when touched. It usually involves a tacky or glue-like surface.

In simple terms: sticky = able to stick to things

2) Common physical qualities

Something described as sticky often has one or more of these features:

• Adhesive (things attach easily)
• Tacky (slightly wet or gluey)
• Hard to separate once attached
• May leave residue when touched

Examples:

• Sticky tape
• Sticky tree sap
• Sticky candy or syrup

3) Common contexts where “sticky” is used

a) Nature / biology

• “Sap is sticky, helping protect the tree.”
• “Some plants have sticky leaves to trap insects.”

Here, sticky often describes an adaptation for protection or feeding.

b) Everyday objects

• “The label left a sticky mark.”
• “My hands are sticky from juice.”

c) Figurative (non-physical) meanings

Sticky can also describe difficult or awkward situations:

• “That’s a sticky problem.”
• “He got into a sticky situation.”

Meaning: hard to deal with or escape from.

4) Grammar notes

• Part of speech: adjective
• Comparative: stickier
• Superlative: stickiest

• Related words:

• stick (verb)

• sticky substance (noun phrase)

Example sentences:

• “The resin is sticky.”
• “This tape is stickier than that one.”

5) “Sticky” vs similar words

| Word | Difference | | ---------- | ---------------------- | | sticky | general, everyday term | | adhesive | more technical | | tacky | lightly sticky | | gluey | thick, glue-like |

6) Pronunciation

• sticky /ˈstɪk.i/ Sounds like “STIK-ee”.

中文（详细解释）

1）“sticky”的基本意思

sticky 是一个形容词，意思是 黏的、粘的、容易粘住东西的。

简单说： sticky = 有黏性的

2）常见物理特征

被形容为 sticky 的东西通常：

• 容易粘住 其他物体
• 触感发黏
• 不容易分开
• 有时会 留下黏性残留物

例子：

• 黏胶
• 树脂
• 糖浆

3）常见使用场景

① 自然 / 生物

• 树的树脂是 黏的，可以防虫
• 捕虫植物用 黏液 抓昆虫

② 日常生活

• 手上沾了果汁，很 黏
• 胶带留下 黏痕

③ 引申含义

sticky 也可形容 棘手、难处理的情况：

• “这是个 棘手的问题。”

4）语法

• 词性： 形容词
• 比较级： stickier
• 最高级： stickiest

例句：

• 这个表面很 黏。
• 这种胶更 黏。

5）与近义词区别

| 英文 | 中文差别 | | -------- | --------- | | sticky | 通用“黏” | | adhesive | 技术性“有黏附力” | | tacky | 微黏 | | gluey | 像胶水一样黏 |

6）发音

• sticky /ˈstɪki/ 中文可近似读作：“斯提基”

If you want, you can paste the 完整句子或课文 where sticky appears (例如 Science 10 的生态系统描述), and I’ll explain 它在该语境中的准确含义和考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “beaks” literally means

Beaks is the plural noun of beak. A beak is the hard, pointed mouthpart of birds (and some other animals) used for eating, grasping, grooming, building nests, and defense.

In simple terms: beaks = the hard mouths of birds

2) What beaks are made of

• Beaks are covered with keratin (the same material as human fingernails).
• They do not contain teeth.
• Beaks grow continuously and are shaped by use and diet.

3) Why beaks have different shapes (adaptation)

Beak shape reflects what and how an animal eats:

| Beak type | Shape | Function | | ------------- | ------------- | --------------------------------- | | Short & thick | Cone-shaped | Cracking seeds (e.g., finches) | | Long & thin | Needle-like | Sipping nectar / catching insects | | Hooked | Sharp, curved | Tearing meat (hawks, owls) | | Flat & broad | Wide | Filtering food from water (ducks) |

This is a classic example of adaptation and natural selection.

4) Other animals with beaks

While most common in birds, beaks are also found in:

• Turtles (no teeth)
• Octopus & squid (hard beak-like jaws)

5) How the word is used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “beaks”, it usually functions as:

• a topic heading (e.g., bird adaptations),
• a label under images or diagrams,
• a vocabulary term in biology,
• or a list item (e.g., wings, feathers, beaks).

6) Pronunciation

• beak /biːk/
• beaks /biːks/

中文（详细解释）

1）“beaks”的基本意思

beaks 是 beak（喙） 的复数形式。 喙 是鸟类坚硬的口器，用于 进食、抓取、整理羽毛、筑巢、防御 等。

简单说： beaks = 鸟的嘴（喙）

2）喙的结构

• 主要由 角蛋白 构成
• 没有牙齿
• 会 持续生长，形状与食性密切相关

3）喙的形状与功能（适应性）

不同鸟类的喙形状不同，是为了适应不同食物：

| 喙形 | 功能 | | ---- | ----------- | | 短而厚 | 啄碎种子 | | 细而长 | 吸食花蜜 / 捕捉昆虫 | | 弯钩状 | 撕裂肉类 | | 扁平宽阔 | 过滤水中食物 |

这是生物课中常见的 适应性进化 例子。

4）非鸟类中的“喙”

除了鸟类，一些动物也有喙：

• 龟类（没有牙齿）
• 章鱼、鱿鱼（坚硬喙状结构）

5）单独出现 “beaks” 的含义

如果只看到 beaks，通常是：

• 章节标题 / 分类名称
• 图片或图表说明
• 生物学词汇

6）发音

• beaks /biːks/ 中文可近似读作：“比克斯”

If you want, paste the full sentence, diagram, or exam question where beaks appears, and I’ll explain its exact role and why it matters in that context（中英对照）.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “tree bark” literally means

Tree bark is the outer protective covering of a tree’s trunk, branches, and roots. It is not wood; it’s the layer outside the wood that shields the tree from harm.

In simple terms: tree bark = the tree’s “skin”

2) What bark is made of (structure)

Bark usually includes two main parts:

• Outer bark

• Dead tissue

• Protects against injury, insects, disease, fire, and weather

• Inner bark (phloem)

• Living tissue

• Transports sugars and nutrients from leaves to the rest of the tree

Together, these layers keep the tree alive and protected.

3) Main functions of tree bark

Tree bark helps a tree by:

• Protecting it from physical damage
• Preventing water loss
• Blocking pests and pathogens
• Insulating against heat and cold
• Helping some species survive fire (thick bark)

4) Bark differences among trees

Bark appearance varies widely:

• Birch bark: smooth, pale, papery
• Pine bark: thick, rough, scaly
• Oak bark: deeply ridged
• Young trees often have smoother bark than older trees

These differences help with tree identification.

5) Bark in ecology

Tree bark:

• Provides habitat for insects, lichens, mosses, and fungi
• Offers shelter for small animals
• Supports forest biodiversity

6) How the phrase is used if it appears alone

If you see “tree bark” by itself, it usually functions as:

• a label or caption (e.g., under a photo),
• a science vocabulary term,
• part of a description (e.g., “lichen grows on tree bark”).

7) Pronunciation

• tree bark /triː bɑːrk/

中文（详细解释）

1）“tree bark”的基本意思

tree bark 指 树皮，是覆盖在树干、树枝和根部最外层的组织。

简单说： tree bark = 树的“皮肤”

2）树皮的结构

树皮一般包括两部分：

• 外树皮

• 多为死亡组织

• 主要起 保护作用

• 内树皮（韧皮部）

• 活组织

• 负责 运输养分和糖分

3）树皮的主要作用

树皮的功能包括：

• 保护树体（防撞伤、虫害、病菌）
• 减少水分流失
• 隔热保温
• 在某些树种中 防火

4）不同树种的树皮差异

• 桦树皮：白色、光滑、可剥落
• 松树皮：厚、粗糙、呈鳞片状
• 橡树皮：深裂、粗糙

这些差异常用于 识别树种。

5）生态意义

树皮为生态系统提供：

• 昆虫、苔藓、地衣的 生境
• 小动物的 藏身处
• 提高森林 生物多样性

6）单独出现 “tree bark” 的含义

如果只看到 tree bark，通常是：

• 图片说明
• 科学词汇
• 生态系统描述的一部分

7）发音

• tree bark 读作 /triː bɑːrk/ 中文可近似理解为：“特里·巴克”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or diagram where tree bark appears (for example in a Science 10 forest ecosystem passage), and I’ll explain why it’s mentioned and what concept it supports, in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “Ferns” literally means

Ferns is the plural noun of fern. It refers to a group of non-flowering, seedless plants that reproduce by spores, not seeds.

In simple terms: ferns = leafy plants with fronds that reproduce by spores instead of flowers or seeds

2) Key characteristics of ferns

• Fronds: Fern “leaves” are called fronds, often divided into many small leaflets.
• No flowers or seeds: Ferns never produce flowers, fruits, or seeds.
• Spores: Reproduction occurs via spores, usually found on the underside of fronds in clusters (sori).
• Vascular plants: They do have roots, stems, and leaves (unlike mosses).
• Moist habitats: Most prefer shady, damp environments.

3) Life cycle (important for science classes)

Ferns have alternation of generations:

1. The visible fern plant is the sporophyte.
2. It produces spores on the fronds.
3. Spores grow into a tiny gametophyte.
4. Fertilization requires water, which is why ferns thrive in moist places.

This explains why ferns are common near forests, streams, and wetlands.

4) Ferns vs. mosses vs. seed plants

| Feature | Ferns | Mosses | Seed plants | | --------------- | ---------- | ----------- | ----------- | | Vascular tissue | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | Flowers | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ (many) | | Seeds | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | Reproduction | Spores | Spores | Seeds | | Dominant stage | Sporophyte | Gametophyte | Sporophyte |

5) Common examples

• Bracken fern
• Sword fern (very common in British Columbia)
• Maidenhair fern
• Tree ferns (tropical regions)

6) How the word is used if it appears alone

If you see “Ferns” by itself, it is usually:

• a heading or section title in a biology text,
• a category name (e.g., mosses → ferns → conifers),
• a label under images or diagrams,
• a vocabulary term in Science 10.

7) Pronunciation

• fern /fɝːn/
• ferns /fɝːnz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“Ferns”的基本意思

Ferns 是 fern（蕨类植物） 的复数形式，指 蕨类植物。 蕨类 不开花、不结果、不结种子，而是通过 孢子 繁殖。

简单说： ferns = 通过孢子繁殖的蕨类植物

2）蕨类植物的主要特征

• 叶片（fronds）：常呈羽状分裂
• 无花无种子：这是蕨类的核心特征
• 孢子繁殖：孢子多生在叶背的 孢子囊群 中
• 维管植物：有根、茎、叶
• 喜阴湿环境

3）生活史（考试重点）

蕨类具有 世代交替：

1. 我们看到的大型蕨类是 孢子体
2. 孢子发育成 配子体
3. 受精需要水

这也是蕨类多分布在潮湿地区的原因。

4）蕨类与苔藓、种子植物对比

| 特点 | 蕨类 | 苔藓 | 种子植物 | | ---- | --- | --- | ---- | | 输导组织 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | | 种子 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | 花 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | 显性世代 | 孢子体 | 配子体 | 孢子体 |

5）常见蕨类

• 蕨菜
• 剑蕨（BC 非常常见）
• 铁线蕨
• 树蕨（热带）

6）单独出现 “Ferns” 的含义

如果只出现 Ferns，通常表示：

• 章节标题 / 分类名称
• 植物类型标签
• 科学课词汇

7）发音

• Ferns /fɜːrnz/ 中文可近似读作：“芬兹”

If you want, you can paste the 完整句子、图表或考试题 where Ferns appears, and I’ll explain 它在该语境中的具体含义和考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “lichens” literally means

Lichens is the plural noun of lichen. Lichens are not single organisms; they are a partnership (symbiosis) between:

• a fungus (provides structure and protection), and
• an alga or cyanobacterium (makes food by photosynthesis).

In simple terms: lichens = organisms made of fungus + algae living together

2) How lichens live (the key idea)

• The fungus forms the body and absorbs water/minerals.
• The alga/cyanobacterium produces sugars using sunlight. Both partners benefit → this is mutualism.

3) Main types of lichens (by shape)

• Crustose: flat and crust-like; tightly attached to rocks or bark
• Foliose: leaf-like, with lobes; partly attached
• Fruticose: shrubby or hair-like; often hanging or branching

4) Where lichens are found

Lichens can grow in extreme environments:

• On rocks, tree bark, soil, rooftops
• In cold Arctic regions, mountains, and dry areas They don’t need soil because they get nutrients from air and rain.

5) Ecological importance

Lichens are very important because they:

• Act as pioneer species, starting soil formation on bare rock
• Help break down rock into soil (slowly)
• Provide food for some animals (e.g., caribou eat reindeer lichen)
• Are air-quality indicators (very sensitive to pollution)

6) How the word is used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “lichens”, it usually functions as:

• a heading in a biology or ecosystem section,
• a plant-like category (often listed with mosses and ferns),
• a label under a photo or diagram,
• a science vocabulary term.

7) Pronunciation

• lichen /ˈlaɪ.kən/ (“LYE-ken”) or /ˈlɪtʃ.ən/ (both accepted)
• lichens /ˈlaɪ.kənz/ or /ˈlɪtʃ.ənz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“lichens”的基本意思

lichens 是 lichen（地衣） 的复数形式。 地衣不是单一生物，而是由 真菌 + 藻类（或蓝藻） 共同组成的 共生体。

简单说： lichens = 真菌和藻类共同生活形成的生物

2）地衣是如何生存的（核心概念）

• 真菌：提供结构、保护，并吸收水分和矿物质
• 藻类/蓝藻：进行光合作用，制造养分 两者互利共生，称为 互利共生（mutualism）。

3）地衣的主要形态

• 壳状地衣：紧贴岩石，像一层壳
• 叶状地衣：像叶子，有裂片
• 枝状地衣：呈灌木状或须状，常下垂

4）地衣的生境

地衣能生活在 极端环境 中：

• 岩石、树皮、土壤、屋顶
• 高寒、干旱、贫瘠地区 它们 不需要土壤，主要从 空气和雨水 中获取养分。

5）生态意义（考试常考）

地衣的作用包括：

• 先锋物种：最早在裸岩上定居，促进土壤形成
• 风化岩石，为其他植物创造条件
• 食物来源：如驯鹿/北美驯鹿以地衣为食
• 空气污染指示生物：对污染极其敏感

6）单独出现 “lichens” 的含义

如果只看到 lichens，通常表示：

• 章节标题 / 分类名称
• 生态系统中的一类生物
• 图片或图表说明
• 科学词汇

7）发音

• lichens 可读作 /ˈlaɪkənz/（常见） 中文可近似读作：“莱肯兹 / 莱肯斯”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or diagram (for example from a Science 10 forest ecosystem passage), and I’ll explain exact meaning, function, and why lichens are mentioned there, in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “draped” literally means

Draped is the past tense / past participle of the verb drape. It means hung loosely or laid over something so that it falls naturally in folds.

In simple terms: draped = loosely hung or spread over something

2) Core idea

The key idea behind draped is gravity + softness:

• The object is not tight or fixed
• It falls naturally, often creating folds or curves
• It usually covers or partly covers what’s underneath

3) Common contexts where “draped” is used

a) Nature & science texts

• “Snow lay draped over the branches.”
• “Mosses were draped over rocks and logs.”

Here, draped emphasizes gentle coverage, not force or damage.

b) Clothing & fabric

• “A scarf was draped over her shoulders.”
• “Curtains draped across the window.”

c) Figurative / descriptive use

• “Darkness was draped over the valley.”
• “Silence draped the room.”

This use creates a soft, atmospheric image.

4) Grammar notes

• Base verb: drape
• Past / past participle: draped

• Passive voice: often used

• “The hills were draped in fog.”

Common patterns:

• draped over (something)
• draped across (something)
• draped in (something)

5) “Draped” vs similar words

| Word | Difference | | ----------- | --------------------------- | | draped | loose, natural, soft | | covered | neutral, no texture implied | | wrapped | tight, enclosed | | coated | thin layer, often liquid |

6) Pronunciation

• draped /dreɪpt/ Rhymes with “shaped”.

中文（详细解释）

1）“draped”的基本意思

draped 是动词 drape 的 过去式/过去分词，意思是： 松散地垂挂、披着、覆盖在……之上，通常是 自然下垂的状态。

简单说： draped = 垂挂着的、披着的

2）核心含义

“draped” 强调的是：

• 不紧、不包裹
• 自然下垂
• 柔和地覆盖

3）常见使用场景

① 自然 / 科学文本

• “雪 披在 树枝上。”
• “苔藓 垂挂在 岩石上。”

这里的 draped 强调 轻柔覆盖，不是压断或破坏。

② 服装 / 织物

• 围巾 披在 肩上
• 窗帘 垂挂在 窗前

③ 文学 / 抽象描写

• “黑暗 笼罩着 山谷。”
• “寂静 笼罩 房间。”

4）常见搭配

• draped over（垂挂在……上）
• draped across（横跨覆盖）
• draped in（被……笼罩）

5）与相近词对比

| 英文 | 中文区别 | | ---------- | ----------- | | draped | 垂挂、披着（柔软自然） | | covered | 覆盖（中性） | | wrapped | 包裹（紧） | | coated | 涂层（薄层） |

6）发音

• draped /dreɪpt/ 中文可近似读作：“德瑞普特”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence where draped appears (for example in a Science 10 forest ecosystem passage), and I’ll explain why this word is chosen instead of “covered”, in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “Mosses” literally means

Mosses is the plural noun of moss. It refers to a group of small, non-vascular plants (called bryophytes) that do not produce flowers or seeds and instead reproduce by spores.

In simple terms: mosses = tiny green plants that grow in damp places and reproduce by spores

2) Key characteristics of mosses

• Non-vascular: They lack xylem and phloem, so water moves by diffusion.
• No true roots: They have rhizoids (hair-like anchors), not real roots.
• Spore reproduction: Spores are produced in a capsule on a stalk.
• Small size: Usually form soft mats or carpets on soil, rocks, or tree bark.
• Moisture dependent: Water is required for fertilization.

3) Life cycle (important for science courses)

Mosses show alternation of generations, but with a key difference from ferns:

• The gametophyte (the green, leafy plant you see) is the dominant stage.
• The sporophyte (stalk + capsule) grows attached to and dependent on the gametophyte.
• Sperm must swim through water to reach the egg → explains why mosses prefer wet habitats.

4) Mosses vs. ferns vs. seed plants (quick comparison)

| Feature | Mosses | Ferns | Seed plants | | --------------- | ----------- | ---------- | ----------- | | Vascular tissue | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Seeds | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | Flowers | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ (many) | | Dominant stage | Gametophyte | Sporophyte | Sporophyte | | Typical size | Very small | Medium | Large |

5) Ecological importance

Mosses play major roles in ecosystems:

• Soil formation on bare rock (pioneer species)
• Moisture retention in forests
• Erosion control
• Provide microhabitats for tiny organisms

6) How the word is used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “Mosses”, it most likely functions as:

• a section heading in a biology text,
• a plant category (e.g., mosses → ferns → conifers),
• a label/caption under images or diagrams,
• or a vocabulary term in Science 10.

7) Pronunciation

• mosses /ˈmɒsɪz/ or /ˈmɔːsɪz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“Mosses”的基本意思

Mosses 是 moss（苔藓） 的复数形式，指 苔藓植物。 苔藓是 非维管植物，不开花、不结种子，通过 孢子繁殖。

简单说： mosses = 苔藓植物

2）苔藓的主要特征

• 无输导组织：没有真正的导管
• 无真根：只有 假根（rhizoids），主要用于固定
• 孢子繁殖：孢子囊产生孢子
• 体型很小：常形成绿色苔藓毯
• 依赖水环境：受精必须有水

3）生活史（考试重点）

苔藓具有 世代交替，但特点是：

• 配子体（绿色主体）是 显性世代
• 孢子体 依附在配子体上生长
• 精子需要水游动 才能完成受精

这就是苔藓多分布在 阴湿环境 的原因。

4）苔藓、蕨类与种子植物对比

| 特点 | 苔藓 | 蕨类 | 种子植物 | | ---- | --- | --- | ---- | | 输导组织 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | | 种子 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | 花 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | 显性世代 | 配子体 | 孢子体 | 孢子体 | | 体型 | 很小 | 中等 | 大 |

5）生态作用

• 促进土壤形成
• 保持湿度
• 防止水土流失
• 先锋植物
• 提供 微生境

6）单独出现 “Mosses” 的含义

如果只看到 Mosses，通常表示：

• 章节标题 / 分类名称
• 图表或图片说明
• 科学词汇

7）发音

• Mosses 读作 /ˈmɔːsɪz/ 中文可近似读作：“莫西兹”

If you want, paste the full sentence、图表或考试题 where Mosses appears, and I’ll explain 它在该语境中的确切含义与考点（中英对照）。

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “Sitka spruce” means

Sitka spruce is a large evergreen coniferous tree (Picea sitchensis) native to the Pacific Northwest coast of North America—from Alaska down through British Columbia to California.

In simple terms: Sitka spruce = a very tall coastal evergreen tree common in wet, cool climates.

2) Key identifying features

• Size: One of the tallest trees in North America (often 60–90 m; some even taller).
• Needles: Short, stiff, sharp needles (bluish-green), attached singly to the twig.
• Cones: Long, hanging cones (typical of spruces).
• Bark: Thin, gray-brown, flaky or scaly.
• Growth conditions: Thrives in cool, moist, foggy coastal environments.

3) Habitat & distribution

• Found mainly in coastal rainforests.
• Very common in coastal British Columbia (including Vancouver Island).
• Often grows alongside western hemlock and western red cedar.

4) Ecological importance

• Forms the canopy of coastal temperate rainforests.
• Provides habitat for birds and mammals.
• Stabilizes soil in wet, windy coastal areas.

5) Human uses

• Wood: Lightweight yet strong; used in construction, boat building, and aircraft (historically).
• Musical instruments: Highly valued for guitar soundboards, violins, and pianos due to excellent resonance.
• Indigenous use: Traditionally used for tools, housing materials, and baskets.

6) How it’s usually used in texts

If you see “Sitka spruce” alone, it’s usually:

• a species name in a biology/geography text,
• a forest-type label,
• or a key example of a coastal evergreen tree.

Example sentence:

• “Sitka spruce dominates many coastal forests of British Columbia.”

7) Pronunciation

• Sitka spruce /ˈsɪt.kə spruːs/ Sounds like: SIT-kuh sproose

中文（详细解释）

1）“Sitka spruce”的基本意思

Sitka spruce 指 西加云杉（学名 Picea sitchensis），是一种生长在 北美太平洋沿岸 的 大型常绿针叶树。

简单说： Sitka spruce = 太平洋沿岸常见的高大云杉树

2）主要特征

• 树高极高：北美最高的树种之一
• 针叶：短而尖，单根生长
• 球果：细长，下垂
• 树皮：灰褐色，薄且呈鳞片状
• 环境适应：喜 凉爽、潮湿、多雾 的气候

3）分布与生境

• 主要分布在 阿拉斯加—BC—加州沿海
• 在 不列颠哥伦比亚省沿海 非常常见
• 常与 西部铁杉、西部红雪松 混生

4）生态价值

• 构成 沿海温带雨林 的主体
• 为鸟类和哺乳动物提供 栖息地
• 帮助 稳固土壤、防风防侵蚀

5）人类用途

• 木材：轻而结实，用于建筑、造船
• 乐器木材：制作吉他、钢琴、提琴音板
• 原住民传统用途：工具、建筑材料、编织品

6）在课本中的常见作用

如果单独出现 Sitka spruce，通常是：

• 植物物种名
• 森林类型代表树种
• BC 沿海生态系统的典型例子

7）发音

• Sitka spruce 读作 /ˈsɪtkə spruːs/ 中文可近似读作：“西特卡 斯普鲁斯”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or diagram (for example from a Science 10 or BC ecosystems reading), and I’ll explain why Sitka spruce is mentioned there and what point it supports, in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “blue jays” literally means

Blue jays is the plural noun of blue jay, a medium-sized songbird native to North America. They are famous for their bright blue feathers, white chest, black markings, and loud, intelligent behavior.

In simple terms: blue jays = bright blue birds known for loud calls and high intelligence.

2) Key characteristics of blue jays

• Color: Blue on top, white underneath, with black bars and a black “necklace”
• Crest: A small crest on the head that rises when the bird is alert
• Voice: Very vocal—can squawk loudly and even imitate hawks
• Diet: Omnivorous—nuts (especially acorns), seeds, insects, fruit, eggs
• Intelligence: Highly intelligent; excellent memory for food storage

3) Behavior and habits

• Food caching: Blue jays hide food (especially acorns) and remember where they put it
• Territorial: Can be aggressive toward other birds
• Social: Often seen alone or in small groups; sometimes form flocks in migration
• Seasonal movement: Some migrate, some stay year-round (common in Canada)

4) Ecological role

Blue jays are important to ecosystems because they:

• Help spread oak trees by burying acorns
• Control insect populations
• Act as alarm birds, warning other animals of predators

5) How the phrase might be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “blue jays”, it most likely functions as:

• a heading or topic label (e.g., forest animals),
• an item in a list (e.g., blue jays, chipmunks, cougars),
• a caption under a photo,
• or a vocabulary term in a science reading.

6) Pronunciation

• blue jay /bluː dʒeɪ/
• blue jays /bluː dʒeɪz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“blue jays”的基本意思

blue jays 是 blue jay（蓝松鸦） 的复数形式，指一种生活在 北美 的鸟类，以 鲜艳的蓝色羽毛 和 吵闹、聪明 而著名。

简单说： blue jays = 蓝松鸦，蓝色、聪明、声音很大的鸟

2）蓝松鸦的主要特征

• 羽毛颜色： 蓝色为主，腹部白色，带黑色条纹
• 冠羽： 头顶有可竖起的小羽冠
• 叫声： 非常吵，能模仿猛禽的叫声
• 食性： 杂食（坚果、昆虫、水果等）
• 智力高： 善于记忆和储存食物

3）行为习性

• 储存食物：会把橡子等藏起来，之后再取用
• 领地意识强：对其他鸟类有攻击性
• 部分迁徙：有的迁徙，有的全年居住（加拿大常见）

4）生态作用

• 帮助 传播橡树种子
• 控制害虫数量
• 作为“警戒鸟”，提醒周围动物有危险

5）单独出现 “blue jays” 的含义

如果只看到 blue jays，通常表示：

• 标题 / 分类名称
• 动物列表中的一项
• 图片说明
• 科学或阅读理解词汇

6）发音

• blue jays /bluː dʒeɪz/ 中文可近似读作：“布鲁 杰兹”

If you’d like, paste the full sentence or paragraph (for example from a Science 10 ecosystem or food-web passage), and I’ll explain their exact role and meaning in context in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “chipmunks” literally means

Chipmunks is the plural noun of chipmunk. It refers to small, ground-dwelling rodents in the squirrel family, easily recognized by their striped backs and cheek pouches.

In simple terms: chipmunks = small striped rodents that store food in their cheeks.

2) Key characteristics of chipmunks

• Size: Small and agile; smaller than squirrels
• Stripes: Distinct dark and light stripes running along the back
• Cheek pouches: Expandable pouches used to carry and store food
• Diet: Omnivores—seeds, nuts, berries, insects
• Behavior: Very active during the day (diurnal) and quick movers

3) Habitat and behavior

• Live in forests, woodlands, and rocky areas
• Build burrows underground for nesting and food storage
• Often seen scurrying along the ground or sitting upright while eating
• In cold regions, they enter torpor (light hibernation) and rely on stored food

4) Ecological role

Chipmunks play useful roles in ecosystems:

• Seed dispersal, helping plants spread
• Part of the food web as prey for birds, snakes, and larger mammals
• Help aerate soil through burrowing

5) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “chipmunks”, it likely functions as:

• a heading or label in a biology or ecosystem section,
• an item in an animal list (e.g., skunks, chipmunks, cougars),
• a caption under a photo,
• or a vocabulary term in science.

6) Pronunciation

• chipmunk /ˈtʃɪp.mʌŋk/
• chipmunks /ˈtʃɪp.mʌŋks/

中文（详细解释）

1）“chipmunks”的基本意思

chipmunks 是 chipmunk 的复数形式，指 花栗鼠，是一种体型很小、背部有明显条纹的啮齿动物。

简单说： chipmunks = 花栗鼠，小型、有条纹、会囤食物的动物

2）花栗鼠的主要特征

• 体型小巧，行动敏捷
• 背部条纹明显，便于识别
• 颊囊发达，可用来装食物
• 杂食性：吃种子、坚果、浆果、昆虫
• 日行性：白天活动频繁

3）栖息环境与行为

• 常见于 森林、林地、岩石区
• 在地下 挖洞筑巢，储存食物
• 天冷时会进入 半冬眠状态，靠储存食物度过

4）生态系统中的作用

• 传播植物种子
• 是许多动物的重要 食物来源
• 挖洞有助于 改善土壤结构

5）单独出现 “chipmunks” 的含义

如果只看到 chipmunks，通常表示：

• 标题 / 分类名称
• 动物清单中的一项
• 图片说明
• 科学或阅读理解词汇

6）发音

• chipmunks /ˈtʃɪp.mʌŋks/ 中文可近似读作：“奇普芒克斯”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or paragraph (for example from a Science 10 ecosystem or food-web passage), and I’ll explain the exact role and meaning in context in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “cougars” literally means

Cougars is the plural noun of cougar. It refers to a large wild cat species found mainly in the Americas. The same animal is also commonly called mountain lion, puma, or panther (regional names).

In simple terms: cougars = large wild cats that are powerful predators.

2) Key characteristics of cougars

• Size & build: Large, muscular cats with long tails; adults can be as big as a person in length (tail included).
• Color: Usually tan or light brown, helping them blend into forests and mountains.
• Movement: Excellent jumpers and climbers; can leap long distances.
• Diet: Carnivores—they hunt deer and other animals.
• Behavior: Solitary and mostly nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).

3) Habitat and range

Cougars live in a wide range of environments:

• Mountains
• Forests
• Grasslands
• Deserts

They are found from Canada through the western United States and down into South America. In British Columbia, cougars are part of the natural ecosystem.

4) Role in ecosystems

Cougars are apex predators:

• They help control prey populations (such as deer).
• This prevents overgrazing and helps maintain ecosystem balance.

5) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “cougars”, it most likely functions as:

• a heading or topic label (e.g., animals in a forest ecosystem),
• a category item in a list (e.g., wolves, bears, cougars),
• a caption under an image,
• or a vocabulary word in a science or geography text.

6) Pronunciation

• cougar /ˈkuː.ɡɚ/
• cougars /ˈkuː.ɡɚz/ Sounds like “KOO-gar(s)”.

中文（详细解释）

1）“cougars”的基本意思

cougars 是 cougar 的复数形式，指 美洲狮（也常称为 山狮 / 美洲豹猫 / puma，不同地区叫法不同）。

简单说： cougars = 美洲狮，一种大型野生猫科动物

2）美洲狮的主要特征

• 体型健壮，尾巴很长
• 毛色偏棕黄，有利于伪装
• 跳跃与攀爬能力极强
• 肉食性，以鹿等动物为主要猎物
• 独居、警惕性高，多在黄昏或夜间活动

3）栖息环境与分布

美洲狮分布范围很广，包括：

• 山地
• 森林
• 草原
• 沙漠

在 加拿大（包括 BC），美洲狮是重要的本地大型捕食者。

4）生态系统中的作用

美洲狮属于 顶级捕食者：

• 控制食草动物数量
• 维持生态平衡
• 防止植被被过度啃食

5）单独出现 “cougars” 的含义

如果只看到 cougars，通常表示：

• 章节标题 / 分类名称
• 动物列表中的一项
• 图片说明
• 自然科学词汇

6）发音

• cougars /ˈkuːɡərz/ 中文可近似读作：“库-嘎兹”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or paragraph (for example from a Science 10 food web or forest ecosystem passage), and I’ll explain exact meaning, ecological role, and exam-relevant points in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “skunks” literally means

Skunks is the plural noun of skunk. It refers to small to medium-sized mammals best known for their ability to spray a strong-smelling liquid as a defense.

In simple terms: skunks = animals famous for their black-and-white coloring and strong defensive smell.

2) Key characteristics of skunks

• Distinctive coloring: Usually black with white stripes or spots, which serves as a warning to predators.
• Defensive spray: They can spray a pungent liquid from scent glands near the tail to deter threats.
• Diet: Omnivores—they eat insects, small animals, fruits, plants, and garbage.
• Behavior: Mostly nocturnal (active at night) and generally non-aggressive unless threatened.

3) How skunks use their spray

Skunks do not spray immediately. They usually:

1. Raise their tail
2. Stamp their feet
3. Turn their back as a warning
4. Spray only if the threat continues

The spray can reach several meters and is very hard to remove.

4) Habitats and range

Skunks are common in North and Central America and often live:

• In forests
• Along grasslands
• Near farms
• In suburban neighborhoods (including many parts of Canada)

They adapt well to human environments.

5) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “skunks”, it most likely functions as:

• a heading or topic label (e.g., a wildlife section),
• a category name in a list of animals,
• a caption under a picture,
• or a vocabulary term in a science text.

6) Pronunciation

• skunk /skʌŋk/
• skunks /skʌŋks/

中文（详细解释）

1）“skunks”的基本意思

skunks 是 skunk（臭鼬） 的复数形式，指 臭鼬 这种哺乳动物。 臭鼬以 能喷射强烈臭味的防御液体 而闻名。

简单说： skunks = 臭鼬，多为黑白相间、以臭味防身的动物

2）臭鼬的主要特征

• 黑白警戒色：提醒天敌“不要靠近”
• 臭味喷射：从尾部附近的腺体喷出，味道极其刺鼻
• 杂食性：吃昆虫、小动物、水果、植物、人类食物残渣
• 夜行性：多在夜间活动，性格一般较温和

3）臭鼬的防御行为

臭鼬通常 不会立刻喷臭液，而是先警告：

1. 翘尾巴
2. 跺脚
3. 转身对准威胁
4. 最后才喷射

4）栖息环境

臭鼬主要分布在 北美和中美洲，在加拿大十分常见，常见于：

• 森林边缘
• 草地
• 农场
• 郊区住宅区

5）单独出现 “skunks” 的含义

如果只出现一个词 skunks，通常是：

• 标题 / 分类名称
• 动物清单中的一项
• 图片说明
• 科学或阅读理解词汇

6）发音

• skunks /skʌŋks/ 中文可近似读作：“斯康克斯”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or paragraph (for example from a Science 10 ecosystem passage), and I’ll explain how skunks fit into that context, in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “breakage” literally means

Breakage is a noun that refers to the act, process, or result of breaking. It describes damage caused when something breaks, often into pieces or becomes structurally weakened.

In simple terms: breakage = the damage or loss caused by something breaking.

2) What kinds of things can have “breakage”

Breakage can apply to many contexts:

• Plants & nature:

• “Snow causes branch breakage.” (Branches snap under heavy snow.)

• Materials & objects:

• “Glass breakage during transport.”

• Hair & fibers:

• “Hair breakage from dryness or heat.”

• Engineering & science:

• “Metal breakage due to stress or fatigue.”

👉 The focus is usually on damage or loss, not the action itself.

3) Grammar & usage notes

• Part of speech: noun
• Countability: usually uncountable (general damage), but can be countable in technical contexts

• Related forms:

• break (verb)

• broken (adjective)

Common patterns:

• prevent/reduce breakage
• risk of breakage
• breakage occurs when…

Example sentences:

• “Leaf drop reduces snow breakage in trees.”
• “Careful packaging minimizes breakage.”

4) Science & ecology context (very common)

In biology or geography texts, breakage often appears when explaining adaptations:

• Deciduous trees shed leaves to reduce branch breakage from snow load.
• Flexible materials reduce breakage under stress.

So here, breakage means structural damage caused by external forces.

5) Pronunciation

• breakage /ˈbreɪ.kɪdʒ/ Sounds like: BRAY-kij

中文（详细解释）

1）“breakage”的基本意思

breakage 是一个名词，指 破损、断裂、损坏，强调 由于“断裂”而造成的结果或损失。

简单说： breakage = 因断裂造成的损坏

2）常见使用场景

• 自然 / 植物：

• 积雪造成树枝 折断

• 物品运输：

• 玻璃制品的 破损率

• 日常生活：

• 头发 断裂

• 工程 / 科学：

• 材料在应力下发生 断裂

👉 重点不是“打断这个动作”，而是 断了之后的损坏状态。

3）语法与搭配

• 词性： 名词
• 可数性： 多为 不可数名词

• 常见搭配：

• 减少 / 防止 breakage

• breakage 的风险
• breakage 发生

例句：

• 落叶可以减少树枝因积雪造成的 折断。
• 小心包装可以降低 破损。

4）考试与课本中的常见含义

在科学课中，breakage 常用于解释 适应性结构：

• 落叶树在冬天落叶，以减少树枝因积雪而发生的 断裂。

5）发音

• breakage /ˈbreɪ.kɪdʒ/ 中文可近似读作：“布雷-基志”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or paragraph where breakage appears (for example in a Science 10 ecosystem passage), and I’ll explain the exact meaning and why it’s used there, in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) Core meanings of “shed”

Shed can be both a verb and a noun, with related but different meanings.

A) Verb: to shed

To shed means to let something fall off, drop, or be removed naturally, often as part of a normal process.

Common uses:

• Plants: “Trees shed their leaves in autumn.”
• Animals: “Snakes shed their skin.” / “Dogs shed fur.”
• Abstract: “She shed her fears.” / “He shed tears.”

👉 Core idea: losing or getting rid of something, often naturally or gradually.

B) Noun: a shed

A shed (noun) is a small, simple building, usually for storage, such as a garden shed or tool shed.

Example:

• “The tools are kept in the shed.”

2) Grammar notes (important)

Verb forms of “shed” are irregular but simple:

• Present: shed
• Past: shed
• Past participle: shed

Examples:

• “Trees shed leaves.”
• “The tree shed its leaves last fall.”
• “It has shed its leaves.”

3) Typical science / biology contexts

In science texts (like Science 10), shed usually means:

• lose leaves (deciduous trees)
• lose skin (reptiles)
• lose fur/feathers (animals adapting to seasons)

Example:

• “Deciduous trees shed their leaves to conserve water.”

4) Verb vs. noun — quick contrast

| Form | Meaning | Example | | --------------- | -------------- | ----------------------- | | shed (verb) | lose naturally | “Snakes shed skin.” | | shed (noun) | small building | “A tool shed.” |

5) Pronunciation

• shed /ʃɛd/ Rhymes with “bed”.

中文（详细解释）

1）“shed”的基本意思

shed 既可以是动词，也可以是名词。

A）动词：shed

shed 的意思是：自然脱落、脱去、摆脱，通常指一个自然或周期性过程。

常见用法：

• 植物： 树木在秋天 落叶
• 动物： 蛇 蜕皮，狗 掉毛
• 抽象含义： 摆脱恐惧、流泪

例句：

• “落叶树在秋天会 shed 叶子。”

👉 核心含义：自然地失去或去掉某物。

B）名词：shed

shed（名词）指 小棚子 / 储物间，常用于放工具或杂物。

例句：

• “工具放在小棚里。”

2）语法重点

shed 的动词三种形式相同：

• 现在时：shed
• 过去时：shed
• 过去分词：shed

例：

• 它去年 shed 了叶子。
• 它已经 shed 了叶子。

3）科学语境中的常见用法

在生物或地理课中，shed 常用于说明适应环境：

• 落叶树 落叶 来减少水分流失
• 爬行动物 蜕皮 以生长
• 动物 换毛 适应季节变化

4）发音

• shed /ʃed/ 中文近似读作：“谢德”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence where shed appears (for example, “deciduous trees shed their leaves”), and I’ll explain exact meaning + exam-relevant reasoning in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “mosses” literally means

Mosses is the plural noun of moss. It refers to a group of small, non-vascular plants (called bryophytes) that do not have true roots, stems, or leaves and do not produce flowers or seeds.

In simple terms: mosses = tiny green plants that grow in damp places and reproduce by spores.

2) Key characteristics of mosses

Mosses share several defining features:

• Non-vascular: No xylem or phloem → water moves by diffusion
• No true roots: They have rhizoids (hair-like structures) for anchoring, not absorption
• Spores, not seeds: Reproduce via spores in capsules
• Small size: Usually form soft mats or carpets
• Moisture-dependent: Fertilization requires water

3) Life cycle (very important for science courses)

Mosses show alternation of generations, but unlike ferns:

• The gametophyte (green, leafy part) is the dominant stage
• The sporophyte (stalk + capsule) grows attached to the gametophyte
• Water is required for sperm to reach the egg

This explains why mosses thrive in wet, shady environments.

4) Mosses vs. ferns vs. seed plants

| Feature | Mosses | Ferns | Seed plants | | --------------- | ----------- | ---------- | ----------- | | Vascular tissue | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Seeds | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | Flowers | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ (many) | | Dominant stage | Gametophyte | Sporophyte | Sporophyte | | Size | Very small | Medium | Large |

5) Ecological importance

Mosses play major roles in ecosystems:

• Soil formation on bare rock
• Moisture retention in forests
• Prevent erosion
• Early colonizers (pioneer species)
• Provide habitat for tiny organisms

6) How “mosses” might be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “mosses”, it is most likely:

• a heading in a biology text,
• a plant category (e.g., mosses, ferns, conifers),
• a label under an image or diagram,
• or a vocabulary term in Science 10.

7) Pronunciation

• moss /mɔːs/
• mosses /ˈmɔː.sɪz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“mosses”的基本意思

mosses 是 moss（苔藓） 的复数形式，指 苔藓植物。 苔藓属于 非维管植物，不开花、不结种子，通过 孢子繁殖。

简单说： mosses = 苔藓植物

2）苔藓的主要特征

• 非维管植物：没有真正的输导组织
• 没有真根：只有 假根（rhizoids），主要用于固定
• 孢子繁殖：孢子囊中产生孢子
• 体型很小：常形成柔软的“苔藓毯”
• 依赖水环境：受精必须有水

3）生活史（考试重点）

苔藓也有 世代交替，但特点是：

• 配子体（绿色主体）是 显性世代
• 孢子体 依附在配子体上
• 精子游动需要水

因此苔藓多见于 阴湿环境。

4）苔藓 vs 蕨类 vs 种子植物（对比）

| 特点 | 苔藓 | 蕨类 | 种子植物 | | ---- | --- | --- | ---- | | 输导组织 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | | 种子 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | 花 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | 显性世代 | 配子体 | 孢子体 | 孢子体 | | 体型 | 很小 | 中等 | 大 |

5）生态作用

苔藓在生态系统中非常重要：

• 促进土壤形成
• 保持水分
• 防止水土流失
• 先锋植物
• 为微小生物提供栖息地

6）单独出现 “mosses” 的含义

如果只看到 mosses，通常表示：

• 生物学章节标题
• 植物分类名称
• 图片或图表说明
• 科学词汇

7）发音

• mosses /ˈmɒ.sɪz/ 中文可近似读作：“莫西兹”

If you’d like, you can paste the full sentence, diagram, or exam question where mosses appears, and I’ll explain exact meaning, comparison points, and test-relevant details in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “ferns” literally means

Ferns is the plural noun of fern. It refers to non-flowering, seedless plants that reproduce using spores rather than seeds.

In simple terms: ferns = leafy plants that do not produce flowers or seeds.

2) Key characteristics of ferns

Ferns are easy to recognize because they share several features:

• Fronds: Their leaves are called fronds, often divided into many small leaflets.
• No flowers or seeds: Ferns do not bloom and do not make seeds.
• Spores: They reproduce using tiny spores, usually found on the underside of fronds.
• Vascular plants: They have roots, stems, and leaves (unlike mosses).
• Moist habitats: Many ferns prefer shady, damp environments.

3) Life cycle (important for science courses)

Ferns have a two-stage life cycle called alternation of generations:

1. Sporophyte (the familiar leafy plant) produces spores
2. Spores grow into a small gametophyte, which produces sex cells
3. Fertilization requires water, which is why ferns thrive in moist areas

4) Common examples of ferns

• Bracken fern
• Sword fern (very common in British Columbia)
• Maidenhair fern
• Tree ferns (in warmer climates)

5) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “ferns”, it likely functions as:

• a topic heading in a biology text,
• a category label (e.g., mosses, ferns, conifers),
• a vocabulary term in science,
• or a list item describing vegetation.

6) Pronunciation

• fern /fɝːn/
• ferns /fɝːnz/

中文（详细解释）

1）“ferns”的基本意思

ferns 是 fern（蕨类植物） 的复数形式，指 蕨类植物。 蕨类植物是 不结果、不开花，而是通过 孢子繁殖 的植物。

简单说： ferns = 蕨类植物

2）蕨类植物的主要特征

• 叶片（fronds）：蕨类的叶通常呈羽状分裂
• 无花无种子：不产生花和种子
• 孢子繁殖：孢子多生长在叶片背面
• 维管植物：有根、茎、叶
• 喜阴湿环境：多见于森林、溪边

3）生活史（考试常考点）

蕨类植物具有 世代交替：

1. 孢子体（我们常看到的蕨类）产生孢子
2. 孢子发育成 配子体
3. 受精需要 水环境

因此蕨类常见于潮湿地区。

4）常见蕨类

• 蕨菜
• 剑蕨（BC 非常常见）
• 铁线蕨
• 树蕨

5）单独出现 “ferns” 的含义

如果只看到一个词 ferns，通常是：

• 标题 / 分类名
• 科学课词汇
• 植物列表中的一项（如 mosses, ferns, conifers）

6）发音

• ferns 读作 /fɜːrnz/ 中文可近似读作：“芬兹”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or diagram (for example from Science 10 or a forest ecosystem passage), and I’ll explain exact meaning, function, and exam-relevant points in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “birch” literally means

Birch is a noun referring to a type of deciduous tree in the genus Betula. Birch trees are well known for their light-colored (often white or silvery) bark and are common in cool and temperate regions, including Canada.

In simple terms: birch = a deciduous tree with pale bark that sheds its leaves seasonally.

2) Key characteristics of birch trees

• Bark: Thin, smooth, and often white or silver, peeling in papery layers
• Leaves: Small to medium, oval with serrated edges
• Type: Deciduous (leaves fall in autumn)
• Growth: Often among the first trees to grow after fires or disturbances (pioneer species)

3) Common types of birch

• Paper birch (very common in Canada)
• Yellow birch
• Silver birch
• River birch

Each type shares the same general features but differs slightly in bark color and habitat.

4) Ecological importance

Birch trees:

• Improve soil quality
• Provide food and shelter for wildlife
• Play an important role in forest regeneration

5) Other meanings & uses

• Birch wood: strong yet flexible; used in furniture, plywood, and tools
• Birch bark: traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for canoes, containers, and coverings
• Birch sap: sometimes tapped for syrup or drinks

6) How “birch” may be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “birch”, it most likely functions as:

• a topic heading (a section about birch trees),
• a label or caption under an image,
• a vocabulary term in science or geography,
• or an item in a list (e.g., spruce, birch, maple).

7) Pronunciation

• birch /bɝːtʃ/ (rhymes with “church”)

中文（详细解释）

1）“birch”的基本意思

birch 是一个名词，指 桦树（桦木），属于 桦木属（Betula），是一种常见的 落叶乔木，在加拿大非常普遍。

简单说： birch = 桦树，一种树皮浅色、会季节性落叶的树

2）桦树的主要特征

• 树皮： 白色或银白色，薄而可剥落
• 叶子： 卵形，边缘呈锯齿状
• 类型： 落叶树
• 生长特性： 常作为 先锋树种，在森林更新中很重要

3）常见桦树种类

• 白桦（纸皮桦）
• 黄桦
• 银桦
• 河桦

4）生态与文化价值

• 改善土壤环境
• 为动物提供食物和栖息地
• 桦树皮在加拿大原住民文化中用途广泛（如独木舟、容器）

5）“birch” 单独出现的含义

如果只看到一个词 birch，通常是：

• 标题 / 分类名称
• 图片说明
• 科学或地理词汇
• 列表中的一项（如 spruce, birch, maple）

6）发音

• birch /bɜːtʃ/ 中文可近似读作：“伯奇 / 博奇”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or paragraph where birch appears (for example, a Science 10 reading about Canadian forests), and I’ll explain the exact meaning and exam-relevant nuance in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “Reptiles” literally means

Reptiles is the plural noun referring to animals in the class Reptilia. They are cold-blooded (ectothermic) vertebrates that typically have dry, scaly skin and reproduce mainly by laying eggs (with some exceptions).

In simple terms: reptiles = snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles, and their relatives.

2) Core characteristics of reptiles

Most reptiles share these features:

• Ectothermic (“cold-blooded”): body temperature depends on the environment
• Scaly or plated skin: reduces water loss and offers protection
• Lungs for breathing: all reptiles breathe air
• Amniotic eggs: eggs with protective membranes (often leathery shells)
• Internal fertilization

3) Major groups of reptiles

• Snakes (e.g., vipers, pythons)
• Lizards (e.g., geckos, iguanas)
• Turtles & tortoises (shell-bearing reptiles)
• Crocodilians (crocodiles, alligators, caimans)

4) Reptiles vs. amphibians (common confusion)

| Feature | Reptiles | Amphibians | | ---------- | ----------------- | ----------------------------- | | Skin | Dry, scaly | Moist, smooth | | Eggs | On land (usually) | In water | | Body temp | Cold-blooded | Cold-blooded | | Life cycle | No larval stage | Metamorphosis (e.g., tadpole) |

5) Habitats & behavior

Reptiles live on every continent except Antarctica, from deserts to forests to wetlands. Many bask in the sun to warm up, and some hibernate or brumate in cold seasons.

6) How the word might be used if it appears alone

If the excerpt is just “Reptiles”, it most likely functions as:

• a heading or topic label (e.g., a biology section),
• a category name in a list or chart,
• a caption under images.

7) Pronunciation

• reptiles /ˈrɛp.taɪlz/ Sounds like “REP-tiles”.

中文（详细解释）

1）“Reptiles”的基本意思

Reptiles 是 爬行动物 的复数形式，指 爬行动物纲（Reptilia） 的动物。 它们是 变温动物，皮肤通常 干燥、有鳞片，大多数 产卵繁殖。

简单说： reptiles = 蛇、蜥蜴、龟、鳄鱼等动物。

2）爬行动物的典型特征

• 变温动物（依靠环境调节体温）
• 鳞片或甲片皮肤（防止水分流失）
• 用肺呼吸
• 羊膜卵（适应陆地生活）
• 体内受精

3）主要类型

• 蛇类
• 蜥蜴类
• 龟鳖类（乌龟、陆龟）
• 鳄形目（鳄鱼、短吻鳄）

4）爬行动物 vs 两栖动物（常见对比）

| 特征 | 爬行动物 | 两栖动物 | | ---- | ----- | ----- | | 皮肤 | 干燥、有鳞 | 湿润、光滑 | | 产卵 | 多在陆地 | 多在水中 | | 生命周期 | 无变态 | 有变态 | | 呼吸 | 肺 | 幼体可用鳃 |

5）栖息地与行为

爬行动物分布广泛（除南极洲外），常通过 晒太阳 来升高体温，寒冷季节可能进入 冬眠/蛰伏（brumation）。

6）单独出现 “Reptiles” 的含义

如果只看到一个词 Reptiles，通常是：

• 标题/分类名称
• 课程或课本中的章节名
• 图表或图片说明

7）发音

• reptiles 读作 /ˈrɛp.taɪlz/ 可近似读成 “雷普-泰尔兹”。

If you want, paste the full sentence or paragraph where Reptiles appears (e.g., a Science 10 text or exam question), and I’ll explain its exact meaning and role in that context in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “camouflages” literally means

Camouflages is the third-person singular form of the verb camouflage.

• camouflage (verb): to hide or disguise something by making it blend in with its surroundings
• camouflages = “hides / disguises” (used with he / she / it)

Example:

• “The white fur camouflages the animal in snow.”

2) Core idea: blending in

To camouflage means reducing visibility by matching:

• color (white in snow, green in leaves),
• pattern (spots, stripes, mottling),
• shape or texture (breaking up outlines),
• behavior (staying still, moving slowly).

So camouflages emphasizes the function: something actively makes another thing harder to see.

3) Common contexts where “camouflages” is used

a) Biology / ecology

• “Its brown fur camouflages it against tree bark.”
• Used to explain predator avoidance or hunting advantage.

b) Military / equipment

• “The netting camouflages the vehicle.”
• Means concealment from visual detection.

c) Figurative / abstract use

• “Humor camouflages his insecurity.”
• Meaning: hides the true nature of something.

4) Grammar notes

• Part of speech: verb
• Base form: camouflage
• Third-person singular: camouflages
• Past tense: camouflaged
• Present participle: camouflaging

Sentence pattern:

Subject + camouflages + object + (environment)

Example:

• “The waxy coating camouflages the leaf.”

5) Pronunciation

• camouflages /ˈkæm.ə.flɑːʒɪz/ or /ˈkæm.ə.flɑːdʒɪz/ Sounds like: KAM-uh-flah-jiz

中文（详细解释）

1）“camouflages”的基本意思

camouflages 是动词 camouflage（伪装） 的 第三人称单数形式。

意思是： 通过与环境融为一体来隐藏、掩护、伪装某物 常译为：伪装、掩盖、使不易被发现

例句：

• “白色的毛发在雪地中 伪装了 它。”

2）核心含义：不被发现

“camouflages” 强调 功能性隐藏，方式包括：

• 颜色匹配（雪地白、森林绿）
• 花纹破坏轮廓
• 外形与环境相似
• 静止或缓慢行为

本质是： 👉 让观察者“看不出来”

3）常见使用场景

① 生物 / 自然科学

• “斑点皮毛 伪装 它在草丛中。”
• 用来解释 躲避天敌 或 捕食优势。

② 军事 / 技术

• “迷彩网 掩盖 了设备。”

③ 比喻用法

• “笑容 掩盖 了他的紧张。” → 指 表象掩盖真实情况

4）语法说明

• 词性： 动词
• 原形： camouflage
• 第三人称单数： camouflages
• 过去式： camouflaged

常见结构：

主语 + camouflages + 宾语 + 环境

例：

• “蜡质表面 camouflages 叶片。”

5）发音

• camouflages 读作近似：“卡姆-弗拉-吉兹”

If you want, you can paste the full sentence or paragraph where camouflages appears (for example, a biology passage describing animals like caribou or spruce forests), and I’ll explain exact meaning, grammar role, and nuance in both English and Chinese.

English (thorough explanation)

1) What “waxy” literally means

Waxy is an adjective meaning like wax or covered with wax. It describes something that has the look, feel, or properties of wax—for example, being smooth, slightly shiny, slippery, or water-repellent.

In simple terms: waxy = having a wax-like surface or quality.

2) Common physical characteristics

When something is described as waxy, it often has one or more of these traits:

• Smooth / slick to the touch
• Slightly shiny or dull-glossy (not metallic shine)
• Water-resistant (water beads up)
• Soft or pliable (in some contexts)

3) Common contexts where “waxy” is used

a) Biology & plants

• Many leaves have a waxy coating (cuticle) that reduces water loss.

• “The leaves are waxy, helping the plant survive dry conditions.”

b) Food & materials

• Waxy apples, waxy corn, waxy chocolate bloom (appearance/texture)
• Waxy paper (paper coated with wax)

c) Medicine & appearance

• Waxy skin can describe an unnaturally smooth, pale, or stiff look (often clinical).
• Waxy complexion suggests lack of vitality or stiffness.

d) Figurative / descriptive language

• Waxy smile or waxy expression → looks fixed, artificial, or emotionless, like a wax figure.

4) Grammar notes

• Part of speech: adjective
• Comparatives: waxier / waxiest
• Related noun: wax
• Related adjective: waxen (more literary)

Example sentences:

• “The plant has waxy leaves.”
• “His face looked waxy and pale.”
• “Water rolled off the waxy surface.”

5) Pronunciation

• waxy /ˈwæk.si/ Sounds like “WAK-see”.

中文（详细解释）

1）“waxy”的基本意思

waxy 是一个形容词，意思是 像蜡一样的 / 有蜡质的 / 覆盖着蜡的。 常用来形容表面或外观 光滑、略有光泽、防水、滑溜。

简单说： waxy = 蜡状的、蜡质的。

2）常见物理特征

被形容为 waxy 的东西，通常具有：

• 表面光滑
• 略微发亮（柔光，不刺眼）
• 不易被水浸湿
• 触感略滑

3）常见使用场景

① 生物 / 植物

• 许多植物叶片有 蜡质层，用于减少水分蒸发。

• “这种植物的叶子是 蜡质的。”