2014高考英语二轮复习阅读理解专题测试题 (31) .docVIP

阅读理解-----A Recognized as the largest desert in the world, the Sahara runs across North Africa, Covering over 3 million square miles from the Atlantic Coast to the Nile River Valley. Except for an occasional oasis(绿洲), this vast land is mainly made up of sand, stones, and worn out mountains. The burning sun causes daytime temperatures to rise to 70 degrees in the shade, and days without rain commonly last for years. Paintings found on the walls of caves in the Sahara Desert suggest that a few thousand years ago, large quantities of plants grew there and covered the desert floor. Many curious and unusual insects, birds and animals got enough food that allowed them to grow and reproduce. At that time, huge river systems and many oases supported growing communities(社团，社区) where a large number of people lived. Research scientists believe that the land became a desert for several reasons. For centuries people there have wandered from place to place in search of food, water and grazing(吃草)land for their animals. These people have always considered the number of animals they have as a sign of wealth. It is considered more important to have 100 sick and starving animals than 15 healthy ones. The large herds(群)have been allowed to go freely and graze on desert plants and grass. Over time, large sections of land have been left uncovered. In addition to allowing overgrazing, these people cut down whatever trees they could find and used them for firewood. The sand was unable to hold on to the great heat of the day, so nightting temperatures often drop below freezing and nothing was left to hold the soil together. Scientists have been studying different ways to bring back the green desert. Through research and experiments, they hope to be able to produce plants that will once again support the life there. Huge holes filled with much water lie under the desert surface. Scientists believe this rainwater simply flew down through the sand over hundreds of years and collected in the b