[解析]
(1)写作目的题。根据第二段I would argue instead that there has never been a greater need to explore.That's because the stage for all exploration is the natural world,and nature is experiencing a rapid decline.It is by exploring that we understand and when we understand we develop an appreciation for what is found.Ultimately,only the things we appreciate are worth protecting.(相反,我想说的是,从未有过更大的探索需求。这是因为所有探索的舞台都是自然界,而自然界正在经历迅速的衰退。正是通过探索,我们理解了,当我们理解了,我们就会对所发现的东西产生欣赏。最终,只有我们欣赏的东西才值得保护。)可知,文章的写作目的是建议通过不断探索来了解自然。故选D。
(2)推理判断题。根据第三段Visiting the Okavango Delta or Kalahari Desert,for example,no longer implies a self﹣supported expedition (考察).Field stations pop up in important national parks and remote sensing by satellite becomes commonplace.(例如,访问奥卡万戈三角洲或 Kalahari Desert,就不再意味着自力更生的探险。在重要的国家公园里都会出现野外观测站,利用卫星进行遥感也会变得很普遍。)可知,在技术的帮助下,野外探险更加容易获得,故选B。
(3)推理判断题。根据倒数第二段Based on my own research expedition which aims to understand "edge effects" — how the changes in temperature at forest edges impact animals,I find it important that today's scientists continue to spend time in the field.It is here that they begin to understand how seemingly unrelated environmental interactions influence their study system.Sometimes,it's difficult to know which is important to measure until you stand out there cm the forest edge.(根据我自己的研究考察,目的是了解"边缘效应"﹣﹣森林边缘温度的变化如何影响动物,我发现今天的科学家继续花时间在这个领域是很重要的。正是在这里,他们开始理解看似无关的环境相互作用如何影响他们的学习系统。有时候,在你站在森林边缘之前,很难知道哪个是重要的测量值。)可知,作者在研究探险之后意识到了科学家实地考察的意义。A.The significance of scientists' field trip.(科学家实地考察的意义。)符合文意,故选A。
(4)细节理解题。根据最后一段The measure of their success will be whether there are still well﹣preserved wild places for expeditions in the future.(衡量它们成功与否的标准将是未来是否还有保存完好的野外探险场所。)可知,未来探险的成功将取决于野生环境的保护,故选C。