Continued from yesterday（延續自昨日）
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang
Using a device to isolate a section of the seafloor, the researchers aimed to measure oxygen levels in the enclosed water. Normally, oxygen rates would decrease as marine organisms consume it, but the result was contrary to expectations. The unexpected outcome prompted the team to further investigate the phenomenon. Researchers found the lumps emitted an electric charge similar to that of a AA battery. This charge is believed to trigger a process that splits seawater into hydrogen and oxygen, accounting for the increase.
Photo: Ivy I 照片：常春藤提供
Traditional perspectives propose that oxygen production began around three billion years ago through photosynthesis by ancient microorganisms known as cyanobacteria. This process gradually led to the development of complex life forms. However, this discovery reveals that oxygen can form through non-biological processes, opening the possibility of life originating in environments like the deep ocean.
研究人員使用一種裝置將海床的一部分隔離開來，他們的目的是要測量這片封起來的水域中的氧氣含量。一般而言，氧氣含量會隨著海洋生物的消耗而降低，但結果卻與預期相反。這意想不到的結果促使該團隊進一步調查這一現象。研究人員發現這些塊狀物發出的電荷與AA電池的很類似。據信，這種電荷會觸發將海水分解成氫和氧的過程，這解釋了氧氣量增加的原因。
傳統觀點認為氧氣的產生約始於三十億年前，被稱為藍綠菌的古老微生物透過進行光合作用來製造氧氣。這個過程逐步促成了複雜生命形式的發展。然而，這項發現揭示了氧氣可以透過非生物過程來形成，開啟了生命源於像是深海等環境的可能性。
What Did You Learn?
1. According to the passage, which of the following is true about the metallic lumps?
(A) They have been collected for cosmetic production.
(B) They are capable of emitting light on their own.
(C) They pose a threat to the marine ecosystem.
(D They give off certain electric charges.
2. What does the phrase “unexpected outcome” in the third paragraph refer to?
(A) Elevated oxygen rates.
(B) Reduced oxygen levels.
(C) Consistent oxygen rates.
(D) Unmeasurable oxygen levels.
3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned about traditional views on the production of oxygen on Earth?
(A) It was a biological process.
(B) It promoted the evolution of complex life.
(C) Sunlight was necessary for the production.
(D) The deep ocean was where oxygen was produced.
參考答案: 1. D 2. A 3. D
Words in use
4. harvest vt. 收集；收割
The researchers harvest cells from tissue samples for further study.
研究人員從組織樣本採集細胞以進行更深入的研究。
5. assess vt. 評估
Engineers must assess the safety of the building before construction begins.
工程師必須在建造開始前評估建築物的安全性。
Practical Phrases
4. account for... 解釋了……的原因；針對……進行解說
The economic downturn accounts for the increase in unemployment rates.
經濟衰退解釋了為何失業率會上升。
The researcher’s analysis accounts for the unusual behavior observed in the study.
那位研究人員的分析解釋了研究中觀察到的異常行為。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the depths of the Pacific Ocean: oxygen production without the involvement of living organisms. Four kilometers below the surface where sunlight cannot reach, researchers have found metallic lumps generating what they term “dark oxygen.” This form of oxygen is produced through a process independent of photosynthesis. Unlike the traditional photosynthesis process, where organisms use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to create energy and oxygen, the newly discovered phenomenon operates in complete darkness. The accidental finding occurred during a study of metal-rich lumps in an abyssal plain between Hawaii and Mexico. These lumps, known as
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