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.
❓ 일부 전문가들이 인류세를 지질 시대(epoch)로 공식화하는 것에 반대하는 주요 이유는 무엇인가?
A. A. 인간의 영향이 아직 지질학적 기록에 나타나지 않았기 때문이다.
B. B. 제안된 마커들이 너무 분산되어 있고 시간에 따라 변하기 때문입니다.
C. C. 폴 크루첸이 그것을 제안할 과학적 권위가 부족했기 때문이다.
D. D. 왜냐하면 그 용어가 과학보다는 철학에 너무 초점을 맞추기 때문이다.
✅ 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
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