填空题
The human brain is somewhat like an archaeological
site, preserving within its layers the basic brain structures of its
evolutionary predecessors— the lower mammals and reptiles (爬行动物). Consequently,
it has a relatively recent outer layer that is distinctly primate (灵长目动物的), with
special developments and tissues that distinguish human beings from other
primates. Nevertheless, we have not one brain, but at least three—that is, three
connected parts carry out distinctive but interrelated functions.
The oldest part of the human brain is the "reptilian brain," which is
found in the lower center of the brain. It resembles a basic part of the brain
of reptiles and serves many of the same functions in humans that it serves in
reptiles. It regulates a large number of innate behavior patterns that are
related to preserving the species. During the course of
evolution, a new formation of brain cells, developed in lower mammals giving
them two brains. This ancient, mammal brain adds new things to the behavior
repertoire (全部功能) of mammals. The business of this new brain is basically the
desires and emotions that keep mammals moving, mating, and avoiding pain. For
many mammals, evolution stopped here. The brain continued to
develop with the addition of a third layer called the "neocortex" (新皮层). This
new part of the brain reached its peak of development in human beings. This is
the brain that gives humans the capacity of rational thought. Because of the new
part of the brain we are able to en gage in verbal communication, to read and
write, to empathize (表同情) with others, and to contemplate our own
existence.
填空题
What is the author mainly talking about in this passage?
填空题
What is the function of the neocortex?
填空题
What is the reason why lower mammals cannot speak7
填空题
The selection is most likely taken from
填空题
The tone of the selection can best be described as