申論題

47. 至 50. 題為題組
Preserving embryos and young creatures as fossils is very unusual because their tiny skeletons areeasily scattered or destroyed before they can turn into fossils. However, marine animals like ichthyosaurshave a better chance of being preserved because they lived in environments where erosion was less likely.Still, successful fossilization depended on factors like slow decomposition of soft tissues, fewer scavengers,calm waters, and rapid burying process.

Chinese scientists have found fossils of ichthyosaurs dating back about 250 million years in SouthMajiashan, China. An ichthyosaur mother was found carrying at least three offspring. One is under themother’s body. The second is halfway out of the birth canal, making this fossil unique. The third is stillinside her, waiting to be born. A more abundant fossil finding is located in dark, oily marine rocks inHolzmaden, Germany. There, thousands of well-preserved fossils dating back about 190 million yearshave been discovered, including ichthyosaurs, fish, and other sea creatures. What’s remarkable is thatmany of these ichthyosaurs contain preserved embryos. These embryos, found in various layers of therock, suggest that the area was a favored spot for ichthyosaurs to give birth over time. The embryosare quite developed, with well-formed paddles, and one is even found in the birth canal. Additionally,there are many fossils of newborns measuring between 20 and 30 inches long.

The quality of ichthyosaur fossil preservation in Holzmaden is outstanding. However, scientistsare puzzled by the abundance of pregnant ichthyosaurs and young ones found there, especially consideringtheir rarity elsewhere. This question remains intriguing, and researchers have yet to provide a definitiveanswer.
47. -48. 下列簡短敘述摘記上方文章重點。請從文章中找出最適當的單詞 （word）填入下列句 子空格中，並視句型結構需要做適當的字形變化，使句子語意完整、語法正確，並符 合全文文意。 每格限填一個單詞（word）。（填充，4 分）
The passage notes that marine animals, like ichthyosaurs, had a higher chance of preservation when the breakdown of their soft tissues occurred _____47_____. , and their remains were buried _____48_____. .

50. Which noun phrase in the passage means “the channel through which a baby animal passes in order to be born naturally”? (簡答，2 分)