The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has sparked considerable debate among geologists, who question whether human activity has fundamentally altered the Earth's geological record. Proponents argue that markers such as plastic pollution, nuclear fallout, and elevated carbon dioxide levels constitute a distinct stratigraphic signature. However, critics contend that these changes, while significant, do not yet meet the formal criteria for a new epoch, which typically requires a global and synchronous signal preserved in rock layers. This disagreement highlights a broader tension between scientific classification and the urgency of environmental advocacy, as the term's popular usage often outpaces its technical validation.
❓ 一部の地質学者が、人新世を新たな時代として正式に定めることに反対する主な理由は何ですか？
A. A. 人間の影響はまだ地層には見えていない。
B. B. 提案されたマーカーは、地球規模で同期した持続的なシグナルを欠いている。
C. C. 環境保護団体がその決定にあまりにも強く影響を与えている。
D. D. 二酸化炭素濃度は十分に有意な上昇を示していない。
✅ 正确答案
B. The proposed markers lack a globally synchronous and enduring signal.
IELTS Reading Tips
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