懒笔记
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section A Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution
CET-4 · 来自 2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 · Part III Section A · 完形填空（选词填空）

Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution

《同人类一样,虎鲸的“文化”在驱动着它们的进化》 —— 2019年6月英语四级真题第2套文章逐层精读

本文选自2016年6 月2 日发表在www . iflscience . com（爱科学新闻网）上的一篇标题为“Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution”（《同人类一样,虎鲸的“文化”在驱动着它们的进化》）的文章。

本页是 2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section A 文章的精读视角页——这篇说明文全文 244 词、3 段，CEFR 难度 C1（C1 级在英语四级文章中占 32%），作者立场为「积极支持」；英文原文之外，本篇已有的 11 项精读维度逐项展开，其中能迁移到其他英语四级真题文章的判断方法（篇章结构、修辞、言外之意、作者态度、体裁速判）随各维度一并讲透。

精读最佳实践

本页解析里的段号（P1）都可以点——点一下，原文在顶部翻开并定位到该段，解析引用的原文同步标亮；合上原文，你还停在刚才读到的位置。点 P1 试试。

PASSAGE · 文章原文

3 段英文原文

以下为2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section A 的完形填空（选词填空）原文，共 3 段。左侧 P1–P3 是段落编号——本页全部解析（结构、逐段、修辞、自检题）都以它为坐标回指原文，点击解析里的段号，原文即在顶部翻开并定位到该段、引用的原文同步标亮；合上原文仍停在当前阅读位置。原文保持卷面形态，不带翻译与标注。

Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution

Just because they can't sing opera or ride a bicycle doesn't mean that animals don't have culture. There's no better example of this than killer whales. As one of the most brutal predators(食肉动物), killer whales may not fit the image of a cultured creature. However, these beasts of the sea do display a vast range of highly refined behaviors that appear to be driving their genetic development.

The word "culture" comes from the Latin "colere," which literally means "to cultivate." In other words, it refers to anything that is acquired or learnt, rather than instinctive or natural. Among human populations, culture not only affects the way we live, but also writes itself into our genes, affecting who we are. For instance, having spent many generations hunting the fat marine mammals of the Arctic, the Eskimos of Greenland have developed certain genetic adaptations that help them digest and utilize this fat-rich diet, thereby allowing them to thrive in their cold climate.

Like humans, killer whales have colonized a range of different habitats across the globe, occupying every ocean basin on the planet, with an empire that extends from pole to pole. As such, different populations of killer whales have had to learn different hunting techniques in order to gain the upper hand over their local prey(猎物). This, in turn, has a major effect on their diet, leading scientists to speculate that the ability to learn population-specific hunting methods could be driving the animals' genetic development.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

3 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 的这篇原文——每段给出英文段落主旨、段落标题与中文解读，并提炼一条「这段为什么这样读」的具体方法。

  1. P1

    Killer Whales: A Cultural Predator

    Killer whales display sophisticated cultural behaviors that may shape their genetic development.

    本段承担 introduction 的功能，它提出虎鲸拥有 culture 且文化可能影响 genes 这一总论点，从而直接搭建起全文的解释框架。它也制造了一个待回答的问题：虎鲸的 culture 究竟是什么，以及它为何可能影响 genetic development。

    抓住转折后的虎鲸文化
  2. P2

    Culture and Human Genetic Adaptation

    Culture is learned behavior that can shape human genetic adaptation, as shown by the Greenland Eskimos.

    本段是全文的 explanatory bridge，它先用 humans 说明文化如何经过长期行为和饮食选择影响 genes。这个人类案例为下一段讨论 killer whales 提供了可类比的 mechanism，即“习得行为—饮食变化—遗传发展”的逻辑模型。

    定义到爱斯基摩案例
  3. P3

    Learned Hunting and Genetic Change

    Different killer whale populations learn hunting methods suited to local prey, potentially driving genetic development.

    本段是全文的核心论证段，它把第二段的人类文化演化逻辑迁移到 killer whales 身上。通过“不同环境—不同猎物—习得捕猎法—饮食差异—基因发展”的链条，本段具体证明虎鲸文化可能影响遗传发展的文章主旨。

    猎物差异引发捕猎遗传链
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

3 道逐段细节自检题

针对2019年6月英语四级真题第2套这篇原文，每段配 1 道细节题（ 1 个正确项 + 5 个干扰项 ，由懒笔记精读引擎基于本段命制，非试卷原题）。 选项默认中性；点「显示答案与解析」展开正确项、解析与最快解法，现代浏览器会同步高亮正确选项。

  1. 第 1 段 定位词 killer whales suggest culture

    What does the passage suggest about killer whales?

    • A Their ability to sing opera and ride bicycles proves that they have culture.
    • B They are genetically programmed to behave like all other sea predators.
    • C They display learned and sophisticated behaviors that may influence their genetic development.
    • D Their brutality prevents them from developing any complex social behavior.
    • E Their genetic development enables them to become more effective predators.
    • F They have inherited their cultural traits directly from human populations.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    该项完整保留了原文的两层信息：一层是 highly refined behaviors，另一层是这些行为 appear to be driving genetic development。learned 是对 culture 语境的合理概括，sophisticated 对应 highly refined，may influence 精确保留 appear to be 的不确定性。障碍在于选项没有机械复现原句，而是用 display、learned、may influence 完成同义改写；同时它把“行为”和“遗传发展”的因果链放在一起，要求考生不能只抓其中一个局部词。

    画出因果箭头 时间极紧时，先从题干中的 killer whales 直扫 第1段，并跳读到 however 之后的两个谓语 display 与 appear to be driving。随后不逐项翻译，而是给每个选项做“关系箭头”标记：behavior 指向 genetic development 的选项才进入复核。正确项应同时通过“转折后结论”和“可能性语气”两次校验；其余选项即便词汇重合，只要箭头反向或语气过满即可快速排除。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 culture meaning essential

    According to the passage, what is essential to the meaning of culture?

    • A It is a set of instincts that all members of a species inherit at birth.
    • B It is the ability to digest a fat-rich diet in a cold climate.
    • C It is a genetic adaptation developed by Arctic human populations.
    • D It consists of behaviors or knowledge acquired through learning rather than instinct.
    • E It is the practice of cultivating marine mammals for food.
    • F It is a lifestyle determined mainly by the climate in which people live.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    该项准确压缩了 refers to anything that is acquired or learnt, rather than instinctive or natural 这一核心定义。acquired through learning 对应 acquired or learnt，rather than instinct 对应 rather than instinctive。behaviors or knowledge 是对 anything 的合理具体化，没有越过定义边界。障碍在于原文把定义分散在词源解释和 in other words 之后，考生若只认识 cultivate 或被 Eskimos 的例子吸引，容易错过真正的概念界线。

    先删具体案例 先从题干的 meaning 逆向扫描 第2段，专找释义路标 literally means、refers to 和 in other words，不必通读有关 Eskimos 的长例子。然后采用“删例法”：把所有含 Greenland、Arctic、fat-rich diet、cold climate 等不可普遍套用信息的选项先划掉；剩下的选项中，正确项必须完整保留 acquired or learnt 与 rather than instinctive 的二元边界。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 different populations hunting techniques Why

    Why have different populations of killer whales developed different hunting techniques?

    • A They have inherited the same hunting skills from their ancestors.
    • B They must travel from pole to pole to find enough food.
    • C Their fat-rich diet has forced them to change their genes.
    • D Scientists have trained them to use population-specific methods.
    • E They need to adapt to the local prey found in their different habitats.
    • F They are trying to develop a single diet for every ocean basin.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：E

    该项把不同 habitats、local prey 和 learn different hunting techniques 之间的关系压缩为 adapt to the local prey。原文虽使用 in order to gain the upper hand over their local prey，而选项用 adapt to 概括“为取得优势而学习”，没有改变因果方向。障碍在于答案没有照抄 gain the upper hand，也没有单独复现 colonized；考生必须把前句的 habitat 差异与后句的 local prey、hunting techniques 连接起来理解。

    卡住目的短语 紧张时不要从段首逐句翻译。用题干中的 hunting techniques 直达 第3段 中部，向右优先寻找目的标记 in order to，再向左回收其条件 local prey 与 different habitats。随后对选项使用“前后位测试”：能放在“为了应对……”位置的才可能是正确项；描述 diet、scientists 或 genetic development 的选项都属于后续影响或旁支信息，可立即排除。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

3 个意群的说明文骨架

按说明文 的行文骨架切分意群，每个意群标注它覆盖的段落与对主旨的作用——逐段读完后回到这里俯瞰全篇，能看清作者为什么按这个顺序行文。

  1. P1

    引入虎鲸文化现象

    这个意群通过 a surprising claim 来吸引注意力，指出 animals 也有 culture，并以 killer whales 为例子。作者用 brutal predators 和 cultured creature 的对比来制造反差效果，然后提出核心观点：这些 sea beasts 展现出 highly refined behaviors，而这些 behaviors 可能正在 driving their genetic development。整个意群采用了典型的说明文开篇策略，即 hook the reader 然后 present the main idea。

    这个意群在说明文中起到 thesis statement 的作用，它建立了整篇文章的 central focus：killer whales 的 culture 和 genetic development 之间的关系。通过 counterintuitive opening（动物也有文化），作者成功地 engage the audience，为后续的 detailed explanation 做好铺垫。

    引出研究对象
  2. P2

    阐释文化概念及其基因影响

    这个意群对 culture 进行 definition 和 elaboration。从 etymology（词源）入手，解释 culture 是 acquired or learnt 而非 instinctive。然后通过 human example（Eskimos of Greenland）来 demonstrate 一个关键机制：culture 如何 write itself into genes 并产生 genetic adaptations。这是典型的说明文 supporting paragraph，用 concrete example 来 illustrate abstract concept。

    这个意群在说明文中提供 background knowledge 和 theoretical foundation。它通过 define key terms 和 establish precedent（用 human culture 作为先例），为理解 killer whales 的情况做好 conceptual preparation。这是 explanatory writing 的重要策略：先 build the framework，再 apply it to the specific case。

    建立理论框架
  3. P3

    应用理论分析虎鲸案例

    这个意群将前面的 theoretical framework 应用到 killer whales 身上。通过 parallel structure（Like humans），作者建立了 explicit connection。说明 killer whales 如何 colonize different habitats，develop population-specific hunting techniques，从而影响 diet 和 potentially drive genetic development。整个意群是 application of theory，用 specific evidence 来 support the thesis，体现了说明文从 general to specific 的 logical progression。

    这是说明文的 main body，直接 address the thesis。它把 第2段 建立的 culture-gene mechanism 应用到 killer whales，形成 complete argument。通过 empirical evidence（different habitats, hunting techniques, diet variations），作者 substantiate the claim that learned behaviors drive genetic development。这是 expository writing 的 climax，where theoretical framework meets concrete analysis。

    提供核心论据
MAIN IDEA · 速判主旨

4 步定位这篇文章的主旨

不读完全篇也能锁定主旨——以下 4 步按2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 这篇原文的实际行文顺序给出，每步说明看哪里、看出什么，可直接迁移到其他英语四级文章。

  1. 首段尾句定主旨 P1

    说明文的 opening paragraph 通常会 introduce the main topic 并提出 central claim。本文首段最后一句 'these beasts of the sea do display a vast range of highly refined behaviors that appear to be driving their genetic development' 就是 topic sentence，直接点明了 killer whales 的 behaviors 和 genetic development 之间的关系，这是整篇文章要 explain 的 core phenomenon

  2. 关键概念界定段 P2

    第二段专门 define 了 'culture' 这个 key term，并通过 Eskimos 的 example 来 illustrate culture 如何 affect genetic development in humans。这个 parallel example 为后文的 killer whales case 提供了 theoretical framework，说明作者在用 analogy 的方式来 support main thesis

  3. 因果机制解释段 P3

    第三段用 'Like humans' 开头，直接 echo 第二段的 analogy，然后详细 explain killer whales 如何通过 learning different hunting techniques 来 adapt to different habitats，最后用 'this, in turn' 来 establish causal relationship between learned behaviors and genetic development。这个 mechanism 正是文章主旨中 'learned behaviors influence genetic development' 的具体 illustration

  4. 三段式逻辑串联 P1 P2 P3

    整体来看，文章采用了典型的 expository structure：P1 提出 surprising claim (killer whales have culture)，P2 通过 define culture 和 human analogy 来 establish credibility，P3 用 specific mechanism 来 demonstrate 这个 claim。三段形成了 'claim → theoretical grounding → empirical support' 的 progression，共同指向一个 unified thesis：culture through learned behaviors drives genetic evolution

主旨信号词 culture P1 genetic development P1 learned behaviors P3 however P1 in turn P3

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

这篇说明文阐释了虎鲸如何通过习得行为展现文化,特别是种群特定的狩猎技巧,这可能影响它们的基因发展,类似于文化影响人类进化的方式。
This expository text explains how killer whales demonstrate culture through learned behaviors, particularly population-specific hunting techniques, which may influence their genetic development similar to how culture affects human evolution.
WORD INFERENCE · 生词推断

4 个生词的上下文推断

不查词典，只用文中线索推出词义——每个词给出推断出的释义与 完整推理链。已收录进英语四级高频真题词集的单词可点击进入词条页。

  • brutal 极其凶残的;野蛮残暴的

    让我们把这些 clues 串联起来。首先，killer whales 是 predators，它们的名字里就有 killer；然后，most brutal 用了最高级，说明在所有 predators 中它们表现出某种 extreme quality；最后，这个 quality 与 cultured creature 形成 contrast。那么这个词一定是描述它们作为 top predator 的某种 fierce、violent 或 savage 的特质。综合这些线索，这个词的含义应该指向 extremely violent 或 savagely cruel。

    修饰词三维分析法
  • refined 精致的;高度发展的;经过改进的

    现在让我们 connect all the dots。首先,这些 behaviors 能够 drive genetic development,说明它们不是 simple instincts;其次,however 制造的 contrast 表明这个词与 brutal 相对,应该表示某种 sophisticated quality;第三,结合第二段对 culture 的 definition—learned rather than instinctive,我们可以推断这些 behaviors 是经过 development 和 improvement 的。所以这个词应该表示 highly developed, sophisticated, or polished 的意思。

    语义网络三角定位法
  • colonize 在...建立栖息地;占据(新领地)

    让我们整合这些 evidence。首先,occupying every ocean basin 和 empire 这两个 phrases 直接说明了 territorial control;其次,parallel structure 表明这个词与 occupy 和 extend empire 是 semantically related;最后,like humans 的 comparison 提示我们想到 human migration 和 settlement patterns。综合起来,这个词应该表示 move into and establish presence in new territories,即 settle in or occupy new areas。

    动词意义三点验证法
  • speculate 推测;猜测;形成假设

    把线索 piece together。首先,could be 这个 modal verb 表明后面的内容是 hypothesis 而不是 established fact;其次,leading scientists to 这个 structure 表明前面的 observations 导致 scientists 形成某种 thinking or conclusion;最后,整个 discourse pattern 符合 scientific method—observation leads to hypothesis formation。因此这个词应该表示 form hypotheses or make educated guesses based on observations。

    认知动词的认识论标记法
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

5 处修辞手法与仿写

每处修辞给出它在本文的具体用法、同类信号词清单与一份可直接套用的 写作仿写建议——读完能认，也能写。

  • 举例子

    P1 P2

    文章通过 killer whales 这个具体的 example 来说明 animals 也有 culture。作者选择 killer whales 作为切入点非常巧妙，因为它们是 brutal predators，表面上看不像 cultured creatures，但实际上 display highly refined behaviors。这种反差制造了 tension，让读者意识到 culture 不仅仅局限于 humans，even the most unexpected animals 也能展现 cultural traits。这个 example 贯穿全文，supporting the main argument that learned behaviors drive genetic development。

    信号词 example for instance for example such as like take...for example a case in point to illustrate as illustrated by

    仿写： 当你想 explain 一个 abstract idea 时，问自己：什么 specific case 能最好地 demonstrate 这个观点？选择那些既 typical 又 surprising 的 examples 会更有 impact。比如要说明 'adaptation'，与其泛泛而谈，不如像本文一样选一个 unexpected subject。模版可以是：'There's no better example of [abstract concept] than [specific case]. Although [subject] may not fit the image of [expected trait], [subject] actually [demonstrates the concept through specific evidence].'

  • 下定义

    P2

    第二段专门 defines 'culture' 这个 key term，追溯其 Latin root 'colere'，解释为 'to cultivate'。Definition 明确指出 culture refers to anything acquired or learnt，与 instinctive or natural 形成对比。这个 precise definition 是整篇文章的 foundation，因为只有先 establish 什么是 culture，readers 才能理解为什么 killer whales' learned hunting techniques 算作 cultural behavior。Definition 还进一步说明 culture not only affects how we live, but also writes itself into our genes，这为后文讨论 killer whales 的 genetic development 做了 conceptual preparation。

    信号词 literally means refers to means is defined as can be defined as is in other words that is to say namely i.e.

    仿写： 当你需要 define 一个 central concept 时，consider 这个三步法：首先 trace its origin（如果 relevant），然后 state its core meaning using clear language，最后 contrast it with related but different concepts 来 sharpen the definition。问自己：What does this term really mean? What does it NOT mean? 模版可以是：'The word "[term]" comes from [origin], which literally means "[literal meaning]." In other words, it refers to [core definition], rather than [what it's not]. Among [context], [term] not only [function A], but also [function B].'

  • 作比较

    P1 P2 P3

    文章在多处建立 killer whales 和 humans 之间的 comparison。第一段说 animals 也有 culture，虽然 they can't sing opera or ride a bicycle（human cultural activities）。第二段详细讨论 human culture 如何 affects genes，用 Eskimos 作为 example。第三段明确指出 'Like humans, killer whales have colonized different habitats'，强调两者都 developed population-specific adaptations。这个 systematic comparison 让 readers 更容易 grasp the abstract concept，因为 humans' cultural evolution 是 familiar territory，用它作为 reference point 可以帮助理解 killer whales 的 similar process。Comparison 的策略使得 unfamiliar scientific concept 变得 relatable and comprehensible。

    信号词 like similar to similarly just as in the same way likewise as...as compared to in comparison parallels

    仿写： 当你想让 readers 理解 unfamiliar concept 时，think about what familiar thing shares similar patterns。问自己：What does my audience already know that parallels this new information? 建立 comparison 时要 explicit about the basis of comparison。模版可以是：'Like [familiar subject], [unfamiliar subject] [shares characteristic A]. Just as [familiar subject] [does X], [unfamiliar subject] also [does Y], leading to [similar outcome].' 记住，comparison 不只是说 'A is like B'，而要 show how their parallels illuminate your main point。

  • 作诠释

    P1 P3

    文章在多处进行 interpretive explanation。第一段说 killer whales 的 refined behaviors 'appear to be driving their genetic development'，这是对 observed phenomenon 的 interpretation。第三段说 different populations 'have had to learn different hunting techniques'，然后 interprets 说 'This, in turn, has a major effect on their diet'，leading scientists to 'speculate' 关于 genetic development 的 mechanism。这些 interpretations 不只是 stating facts，而是 explaining the significance and implications of those facts。通过这种 interpretive layer，文章从 descriptive level 上升到 analytical level，helping readers understand not just what happens, but why it matters and how different phenomena connect。

    信号词 in turn this means in other words that is to say thereby thus therefore as a result consequently leading to suggesting that indicating that

    仿写： 要 effectively 进行诠释，先 present the fact or observation，然后用 interpretive language 来 explain its significance。问自己：So what? Why does this matter? What does this tell us? 使用 phrases like 'this means that,' 'in other words,' 'this suggests,' 或 'the significance of this is' 来 signal interpretation。模版可以是：'[Statement of fact/observation]. This, in turn, [explanation of consequence or significance]. [Further interpretation using 'thereby,' 'thus,' or 'leading to'...]' Remember，good 诠释 doesn't just repeat information in different words，而是 reveals connections and implications that weren't immediately obvious。

  • 分类别

    P2

    文章隐含地将 behaviors 分为两大 categories：instinctive/natural 和 acquired/learnt。第二段明确 contrasts these two types，指出 culture 'refers to anything that is acquired or learnt, rather than instinctive or natural'。这个 categorization 是理解整篇文章的 conceptual framework。所有关于 killer whales 的 discussion 都建立在这个 distinction 之上：它们的 hunting techniques 属于 learned category，因此 qualify as culture。虽然文章没有用 numbered list 或 explicit labels 来 present categories，但这个 binary classification 是 organizing principle，helping readers understand which behaviors count as cultural and why。

    信号词 rather than divided into falls into categories types of kinds of can be classified as while whereas on the other hand in contrast

    仿写： 要进行 effective categorization，首先 identify the basis for classification（什么 criterion 区分不同 categories）。问自己：What are the fundamental types or kinds within this topic? What principle distinguishes them? 可以 explicitly state categories 用 enumerative structure，也可以像本文一样 implicitly organize around a key distinction。模版可以是：'[Subject] can be divided into [Category A] and [Category B]. [Category A] refers to [definition/characteristics], while [Category B] [contrasting definition/characteristics].' 或用 'rather than' structure：'[Term] refers to [Category A], rather than [Category B].'

IMPLIED MEANING · 言外之意

7 处话里有话

作者没有明说、但靠信号词传递出来的态度与暗示——每处给出原文片段、信号词类型与解读。

  • 杀人鲸具备文化这一观点的反常识性

    P1
    Just because they can't sing opera or ride a bicycle doesn't mean that animals don't have culture.

    让步类 Just because although though even though while whereas despite

    这个 sentence 的 implication 是：虽然动物不具备 human-specific cultural activities（唱歌剧、骑自行车），但这 doesn't negate 它们拥有 culture 的事实。言外之意是 challenging 读者对 culture 的 narrow definition，暗示 culture 不应该被 limited 到 human behaviors。对文章 thesis 的作用是：通过这个 counter-intuitive opening，作者 establish 了一个 broader perspective on culture，为后文 introduce killer whales 的 learned behaviors 作为 cultural evidence 铺垫，同时 engage 读者去 rethink 什么是 true cultural behavior

  • 杀人鲸的文化属性与其凶猛形象的反差

    P1
    As one of the most brutal predators, killer whales may not fit the image of a cultured creature.

    情态词表委婉否定 may not fit may not might not may not seem might not appear could hardly would not seem

    这个 phrase 的 underlying meaning 是：虽然从 surface level 看，brutal predators 和 cultured creatures 似乎 incompatible，但这个 perception 可能是 misleading 的。言外之意是 foreshadowing 作者即将 demonstrate killer whales 确实拥有 culture，尽管它们的 fierce nature。对主旨的 value 在于：这个 apparent contradiction 制造了 tension 和 curiosity，prompting 读者去 discover 作者如何 reconcile 这两个看似 conflicting characteristics，从而为展开 killer whales 的 refined behaviors 提供 dramatic setup

  • 行为精细性与基因发展的因果关系暗示

    P1
    these beasts of the sea do display a vast range of highly refined behaviors that appear to be driving their genetic development.

    模糊限制语 appear to be seem to be tend to suggest that indicate that imply that look like

    这个 statement 的 implication 是：refined behaviors 和 genetic development 之间存在 potential causal relationship，但这还是 hypothesis 阶段而非 proven fact。言外之意是 signaling 文章的 central research question：learned behaviors 是否能 influence genetic evolution。对主旨的 contribution 是：这个 hedged claim 巧妙地 establish 了文章要 explore 的 core mechanism——culture（learned behaviors）如何 shape biology（genes），为后续 parallel 人类和虎鲸的 cultural-genetic interaction 提供 theoretical framework，同时保持了 scientific rigor 通过不 overstate 当前的 evidence level

  • 文化定义对理解动物文化的关键作用

    P2
    The word 'culture' comes from the Latin 'colere,' which literally means 'to cultivate.' In other words, it refers to anything that is acquired or learnt, rather than instinctive or natural.

    换言解释类 In other words that is that is to say i.e. namely to put it another way which means

    这个 reformulation 的 implication 是：文化的 essence 不在于 behavior 的 sophistication（唱歌剧），而在于其 learned nature。言外之意是 redefining culture 以 include animal behaviors，只要它们是 acquired 而非 instinctive 的。对主旨的 significance 在于：通过 establish learned vs. innate 这个 clear criterion，作者为 argue killer whales have culture 提供了 theoretical basis，因为后文将 demonstrate 它们的 hunting techniques 是 learned 的。这个 definition 也 bridge 了 human 和 animal culture，making the comparison legitimate

  • 文化对基因影响的普遍性原理

    P2
    Among human populations, culture not only affects the way we live, but also writes itself into our genes, affecting who we are.

    递进强调类 not only...but also not just...but not merely...but more than...also beyond...even besides furthermore

    这个 statement 的 deeper meaning 是：文化的 influence 不仅停留在 behavioral level（lifestyle），更深入到 biological level（genetic）。言外之意是 establishing 文化可以 drive biological evolution 这个 fundamental principle，为后文 apply 到虎鲸做 theoretical preparation。对主旨的 crucial role 是：这个 human example 作为 analogical framework，让读者 accept 虎鲸的 learned hunting behaviors 也可能 influence their genetics。通过 not only...but also 的 escalation，作者 emphasize culture-gene interaction 是 more profound than surface behavior changes，这正是文章的 core thesis

  • 栖息地多样性对文化差异的必然性

    P3
    Like humans, killer whales have colonized a range of different habitats across the globe, occupying every ocean basin on the planet, with an empire that extends from pole to pole. As such, different populations of killer whales have had to learn different hunting techniques

    因果推理类 As such therefore thus hence consequently as a result for this reason

    这个 inference 的 implication 是：habitat diversity 必然导致 behavioral diversity（不同的 hunting techniques）。言外之意是 geographic variation 创造了 cultural differentiation 的 necessity——不是 random choice 而是 adaptive requirement。对主旨的 strategic value 是：通过建立 habitat diversity → learned behavior diversity 这个 causal chain，作者为 argue 这些 learned behaviors 可能 drive genetic divergence 铺路。这个 logical progression（geography → culture → genes）构成了 article's argumentative backbone，showing 文化不是 superficial 而是 ecologically grounded 并有 evolutionary consequences

  • 科学界对文化驱动进化假说的慎重态度

    P3
    This, in turn, has a major effect on their diet, leading scientists to speculate that the ability to learn population-specific hunting methods could be driving the animals' genetic development.

    模糊限制语 speculate hypothesize theorize conjecture suppose postulate propose tentatively

    这个 statement 的 underlying message 是：learned behaviors → genetic development 这个 causal link 目前还是 hypothesis，尚未 conclusively proven。言外之意是 acknowledging research frontier——虽然有 evidence suggesting 这种可能，但 scientific community 保持 cautious。对主旨的 critical function 是：这个 speculative claim 恰恰是文章的 central thesis，通过 carefully hedging，作者 balance 了 presenting an exciting hypothesis 和 maintaining scientific integrity。这也 invite readers 和 research community 去 further investigate，showing 这是 ongoing scientific inquiry 而非 settled conclusion

AUTHOR ATTITUDE · 作者态度

作者态度：积极支持

结论先行：本文作者态度为积极支持（ appreciative and informative）。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 开篇对比定调 P1

    说明文作者常在 opening paragraph 通过 contrast 或 refutation 来 establish 自己的 stance。这里作者先 acknowledge 一个 common misconception（虎鲸不会唱歌剧或骑车），然后立刻用 'doesn't mean' 进行 rebuttal，说它们依然有 culture。这种 structure 表明作者要 challenge 传统观念，support 一个新的 perspective。

  2. 修饰语的情感倾向 P1 P3

    说明文虽然以 inform 为主，但 subtle word choices 会 reveal author's attitude。'Vast' 表示 impressive scope，'highly refined' 暗示 sophisticated 和值得 admiration 的特质。这些词不是 neutral reporting，而是带有 appreciative undertone，表明作者对虎鲸文化持 positive view。

  3. 论证深度的投入 P2

    说明文中，作者对某个 concept 的 elaboration level 直接反映其 attitude。如果作者只是 briefly mention 某个观点然后 move on，说明不太重视；但如果 dedicate 整段来 define、exemplify、explain，就表明这个观点很 important 且作者 endorse 它。这里作者用整段来建立 culture-gene link 的 theoretical foundation，为后续论证虎鲸文化做 groundwork，显示出 serious 和 supportive 的态度。

  4. 科学视角的引入 P3

    说明文作者通过 cite scientific perspectives 来 lend credibility 给自己的 viewpoint。这里作者说 'scientists speculate'，虽然用了 'speculate' 这个相对 tentative 的词，但整体 context 是把这个 hypothesis 作为 plausible explanation 来 present，而不是 dismiss 它。作者选择 end the article with this scientific perspective，说明他 align with 或至少 take seriously 这个 theory。

  5. 多维信号综合研判 P1 P2 P3

    说明文的 attitude 通常不是 single indicator 决定的，而是 multiple signals 的 cumulative effect。这四个步骤 cover 了 structural（opening contrast）、lexical（descriptors）、organizational（depth）和 evidential（expert views）dimensions，能够 holistically capture 作者的 stance。四个 signals 如果 point to the same direction（都是 positive），就能 confidently conclude 作者态度；如果 mixed，则需要看 which signals dominate。

文中的态度信号词

  • doesn't mean P1

    'Doesn't mean' 是一个典型的 refutation marker，用来 reject 一个 assumption 并引出 alternative viewpoint。在这里，它 signal 作者要 challenge 'no culture' 这个 misconception，为后续 positive presentation of killer whale culture 铺路，instantly reveal 作者的 supportive stance。

    同类词 however yet nevertheless on the contrary actually

  • vast range P1

    'Vast range' 是 quantitative descriptor with positive connotation，用来 emphasize the scope and diversity of killer whale behaviors。'Vast' 比 neutral 的 'large' 更 impressive，convey 作者对这个 scope 的 appreciation，支持 'killer whales have rich culture' 这个 positive claim。

    同类词 extensive remarkable impressive substantial considerable

  • highly refined P1

    'Highly refined' 是 evaluative phrase，把虎鲸的 behaviors 描述为 sophisticated 和经过 careful development 的。'Refined' 有 'cultured' 和 'civilized' 的 connotation，directly 呼应了文章主题 'animals have culture'，强化作者对虎鲸 cultural capacity 的 positive evaluation。

    同类词 sophisticated advanced complex intricate elaborate

  • literally means P2

    'Literally means' 引入了 'culture' 的 etymological definition，显示作者在 carefully establish 这个 key term 的 precise meaning。这种 definitional precision 表明作者 take the concept seriously 且想确保 readers 正确理解它，为后续论证 'killer whales have culture' 提供 solid theoretical foundation，反映 thorough 和 educational 的 approach。

    同类词 refers to specifically indicates precisely denotes essentially means fundamentally signifies

  • not only... but also P2

    'Not only... but also' 是 additive structure，用来 layer 多个 positive aspects。作者说 culture 'not only affects... but also writes itself into our genes'，这个 escalation 从 behavioral influence 到 genetic impact，progressively strengthen 了 culture 的 significance，显示作者在 build up the importance of the concept。

    同类词 moreover furthermore additionally in addition what's more

  • Like humans P3

    'Like humans' 建立了 killer whales 和 humans 的 parallel，把虎鲸 elevate 到 human-level capacity。这个 comparison 是 flattering 的，因为 humans 被视为 cultural beings 的 paradigm，说明作者认为虎鲸 deserve similar recognition，strongly support 'animals have culture' 这个 thesis。

    同类词 Similar to Just as In the same way Comparable to Paralleling

  • leading scientists to speculate P3

    'Leading scientists to speculate' 引入了 scientific perspective，即 hunting methods 可能 drive genetic development。虽然 'speculate' 是 tentative，但 'leading scientists' 是 authoritative，而且作者用这个 speculation 作为文章的 closing point，没有 refute 或 downplay 它，说明作者 consider this a credible and important hypothesis，align with scientific community 的 view。

    同类词 researchers suggest studies indicate evidence shows experts propose findings reveal

GENRE · 速判体裁

30 秒判定这是一篇说明文

体裁决定读法与出题套路。以下判断步骤与标志词全部以本文为例，可直接迁移到其他英语四级 真题文章。

如何快速判断这是一篇说明文？

  1. 首句功能识别 P1

    说明文的 opening 会直接 introduce 要解释的 topic，比如这篇文章开头就 present 了 'animals have culture' 这个 phenomenon，并用 killer whales 作为 example。议论文则会 present 一个 controversial viewpoint 需要 defend，新闻报道会 report 一个 recent event with time and place specifics。

  2. 概念定义展开 P2

    第二段用 'The word "culture" comes from the Latin "colere"' 来 define 和 explain 什么是 culture，这是典型的 expository writing pattern。议论文不会花大量篇幅 defining terms，而是直接 use the term to build arguments。新闻报道也不会 trace etymology 或做 conceptual analysis。

  3. 实例功能分析 P2 P3

    文章用 Eskimos 的 genetic adaptations 作为 example 来 illustrate culture 如何 affect genes，用 killer whales 的 different hunting techniques 来 demonstrate cultural learning。这些 examples 的 purpose 是 to explain 和 to show，而不是 to prove a debatable point 或 to report news。议论文的 examples 是为了 convince readers of the author's position。

  4. 篇章结构识别 P1 P2 P3

    这篇文章采用 general to specific pattern：从 animals have culture 的 general claim，到 defining culture，再到 specific examples of how culture drives genetic development。整体 structure 是为了 help readers understand 一个 complex phenomenon。议论文会有 thesis-support-counterargument 的 argumentative structure，新闻则是 most important information first 的 structure。

  5. 四维快速检测 P1 P2 P3

    这篇文章完美体现了说明文特征：neutral presentation of animal culture phenomenon，systematic explanation of the concept，evidence-based illustration with killer whales and Eskimos，logical progression from general to specific。没有 author's personal stance to defend，也没有 time-sensitive news reporting。整体就是在 teaching readers about a scientific concept。

哪些词暴露了说明文体裁？

  • culture P1 说明对象定义解释词 refers to means is defined as the term the concept of
  • In other words P2 说明顺序与例证词 For instance For example That is to say Specifically To illustrate
  • There's no better example of this than P1 说明顺序与例证词 A typical example is Take...for example Consider the case of One notable instance is This can be seen in
  • display P1 事物属性功能描述词 exhibit demonstrate show possess feature
  • As such P3 说明顺序与例证词 Therefore As a result Consequently This, in turn Accordingly
  • leading scientists to speculate P3 说明对象定义解释词 researchers suggest studies show evidence indicates data reveals experts believe
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

8 句真题句逐层精讲

下列真题句各有独立的句子解析页——中文翻译、结构树逐层拆解、成分与时态、考点讲解与真题高频词。点击句子进入完整解析。

FAQ · 常见问题

关于 《同人类一样,虎鲸的“文化”在驱动着它们的进化》 的常见问题

2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section A 文章 Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution 的原文出自哪里？
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section A 文章 Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution 选自2016年6 月2 日发表在www . iflscience . com（爱科学新闻网）上的一篇标题为“Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution”（《同人类一样,虎鲸的“文化”在驱动着它们的进化》）的文章。
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套文章《同人类一样,虎鲸的“文化”在驱动着它们的进化》的主旨是什么？
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section A 文章 Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution 说明文阐释了虎鲸如何通过习得行为展现文化,特别是种群特定的狩猎技巧,这可能影响它们的基因发展,类似于文化影响人类进化的方式。（英文表述：This expository text explains how killer whales demonstrate culture through learned behaviors, particularly population-specific hunting techniques, which may influence their genetic development similar to how culture affects human evolution.）
Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution（2019年6月英语四级真题第2套文章）是什么体裁？难度如何？
体裁为说明文，作者立场是积极支持（appreciative and informative）。CEFR 难度 C1，全文 244 词、3 段；在英语四级全部 511 篇真题文章中，C1 级共 163 篇（占 32%）。
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套文章《同人类一样,虎鲸的“文化”在驱动着它们的进化》的篇章结构是怎样的？
全文 3 段按说明文骨架分为 3 个意群：第1段——引入虎鲸文化现象；第2段——阐释文化概念及其基因影响；第3段——应用理论分析虎鲸案例。
Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution 一文的作者态度是什么？
作者态度是积极支持（appreciative and informative）。判断路径：开篇对比定调 → 修饰语的情感倾向 → 论证深度的投入 → 科学视角的引入 → 多维信号综合研判；文中的态度信号词包括 doesn't mean（第1段）、vast range（第1段）、highly refined（第1段）、literally means（第2段）、not only... but also（第2段）、Like humans（第3段）、leading scientists to speculate（第3段）。
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套文章 Just Like Humans, Killer Whales' 'Culture' Is Driving Their Evolution 中有哪些值得积累的生词？
按文中出现顺序共 4 个：brutal（极其凶残的;野蛮残暴的）、refined（精致的;高度发展的;经过改进的）、colonize（在...建立栖息地;占据(新领地)）、speculate（推测;猜测;形成假设），每个词的词义都可以由文中上下文线索推断得出。

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