The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained significant traction in geological and environmental circles, referring to the current epoch in which human activity has become the dominant influence on climate and the environment. While the term was popularized by atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen in 2000, its formal recognition as a geological epoch remains contentious. Proponents argue that unmistakable markers, such as radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests and ubiquitous microplastics, justify a distinct boundary. Critics, however, contend that these signals are too diffuse and temporally inconsistent to meet the rigorous criteria of the geologic time scale. Moreover, the debate extends beyond stratigraphy to philosophical questions about humanity's role in shaping Earth's future, highlighting a profound shift in how we perceive our species' impact.
❓ 一部の専門家が人新世を地質時代として正式に認定す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質学的記録には現れていないからである。
B. B. 提案されたマーカーは散在しすぎており、時間とともに変動するため。
C. C. ポール・クルッツェンにはそれを提案する科学的権威が不足していたから。
D. D. なぜなら、その用語は科学よりも哲学に焦点を当てすぎているからである。
✅ 正确答案
B. Because the proposed markers are too scattered and vary over time.
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)
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