A new international study revealed that spruce trees in an Italian forest can respond to a solar eclipse. To be more specific, they actually anticipate it by synchronizing their bioelectrical signals hours before the event.
To monitor this phenomenon, scientists attached special sensors to the trees to track their electrical activity. They discovered that older trees started changing their signals even before the eclipse occurred. Researchers believe these older trees may store memories of past events and send early warnings to younger ones. This bioelectrical signaling system appears to help the forest avoid problems like drying out during the sudden drop in sunlight.
Scientists say the findings highlight the importance of protecting old trees, which may carry the “memories” that help entire forests stay strong.
Photo: Ivy English 照片：常春藤解析英語
一份新的國際研究揭露，義大利一座森林裡的雲杉樹會對日食做出反應。更具體地說，它們其實是透過在日食發生的數小時前同步生物電訊號來預期日食的發生。
為了監測這個現象，科學家在樹上安裝特殊感測器以追蹤電活動。他們發現，較老的樹木甚至在日食發生前就會開始改變訊號。研究人員認為，這些較老的樹木可能保有過往事件的記憶，並提前向較年輕樹木發出警訊。這種生物電傳訊系統似乎能幫助整片森林在日照突然減弱時，避免如乾枯等問題。
科學家表示，這些發現凸顯了保護老樹的重要性，它們或許承載著能讓整座森林保持強韌的「記憶」。
What Did You Learn?
1. Why were older spruce trees able to react to a solar eclipse faster than younger trees?
參考答案:
1. They may store memories of past events.
Words in Use
1. reveal vt. 揭露，顯示
The test revealed serious problems with the engine. 這次測試顯示引擎有嚴重的問題。
2. signal n. 訊號，信號 & vi. 發出訊號∕信號（本文第二段為動名詞用法）
A red flag is often used as a signal of danger. 紅旗通常被用作危險的信號。
Sailors use flags to signal to other boats. 水手會用旗幟來向其他船隻打信號。
3. monitor vt. 監測，監控
The local government monitored river levels during the heavy rainstorm. 地方政府在強烈暴風雨期間監測河流的水位。
4. phenomenon n. 現象（單數形） phenomena n. 現象（複數形）
The migration of birds is a seasonal phenomenon. 鳥類遷徙是一種季節性現象。
5. attach vt. 固定，使附著 attach A to B 將 A 固定在∕繫在 B 上
The engineers attached sensors to the bridge to monitor movement. 工程師把感應器裝在橋上以監測震動。
Practical Phrases
1. respond to. . . 對……起反應
Plants respond to sunlight by growing toward it. 植物會對陽光做出反應，朝向陽光生長。
2. to be more specific 更具體地說 = specifically adv.
Technology changes how we live. To be more specific, the internet allows us to shop, study, and even work online.
科技改變了我們的生活方式。更具體地說，網路讓我們能線上購物、學習甚至工作。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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