The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by significant human impact on Earth's systems. Proponents argue that markers such as plastic pollution, radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests, and elevated carbon dioxide levels are distinct enough to warrant a formal boundary in the stratigraphic record. However, critics contend that human-induced changes are diachronous, occurring at different times across the globe, which undermines the utility of a single, globally synchronous marker. This debate highlights a fundamental tension in geology between the need for precise chronological definitions and the recognition of complex, spatially variable environmental processes.
❓ 根据文章内容,批评者反对将人类世正式定义为一个地质时代的主要原因是什么?
A. 人間の影響は、永続的な地質学的痕跡を残すほど顕著ではない。
B. 提案されたマーカー、例えばプラスチック汚染は、研究するにはあまりにも最近のものである。
C. 人為的な変化は世界各地で同時に起こったわけではなく、地球規模の境界線を複雑にしている。
D. アントロポセンという概念は、層序学的研究にはほとんど関連性がない。
✅ 正确答案
Human-induced changes did not occur simultaneously worldwide, complicating a global boundary.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first