2012年TOEFL词汇模拟题精选系列八

Glass fibers were little more than a novelty until the 1930's, when their thermal and electrical insulating properties were appreciated and methods for producing continuous filaments were developed.
The word "appreciated" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) experienced
(B) recognized
(C) explored
(D) increased

 The scarce fossils of the Proterozoic, mostly single-celled bacteria, provide little evidence in this regard. However, the rocks themselves do include the earliest evidence for glaciation, probably a global ice age.
The word "scarce" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) ancient
(B) tiny
(C) available
(D) rare

 In 2.3-billion-year-old rocks in Canada near Lake Huron (dating from the early part of the Proterozoic age), there are thin laminae of fine-grained sediments that resemble varves, the annual layers of sediment deposited in glacial lakes.
The word "resemble" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) result from
(B) penetrate
(C) look like
(D) replace

 Watching the behaviors diverse animal species in their natural habitats, Lorenz, and Tinbergen observed behavior patterns that promote survival.
The word "diverse" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) small
(B) varied
(C) wild
(D) particular

 The most well-known of these is imprinting, the early following behavior of certain baby birds that ensures that the young will stay close to their mother and be fed and protected from danger.
The word "ensures" is closest in meaning to which of following?
(A) guarantees
(B) proves
(C) teaches
(D) assumes

 B

 D

 C

 B

 A