Aeroponics, a way of growing plants in air or mist without soil, has long existed and is widely regarded as the future of plant cultivation (耕种). Now, thanks to the world’s first desktop aeroponic ecosystem, people can experience this interesting and futuristic planting method at home comfortably.

Designed by Yunyi Zheng, the Izestee Plant Cultivator (培育器) is likely the most advanced flower pot in the world. It is a see-through cube that allows people to clearly see the plant’s roots. These roots hang in the air, with no soil or water around — only nutrient-rich mist sprayed from the bottom of the device. The product’s Kickstarter page says that with Izestee, plant growth becomes a live show people can watch every day. The cultivator uses a high-transparency PC chamber with a hydrophobic layer, which keeps the surface clear even under continuous misting. This transparency lets users directly monitor the roots in real time, such as their growth speed, branching, nutrient absorption, and early signs of decay.

Besides the mist sprayers at the bottom, the Izestee has other useful features. It has a built-in heating system with a maximum temperature of 45°C, three adjustable mist modes to provide the right amount of water for different plants, and a grow light that copies natural sunlight indoors to help plants with photosynthesis. Currently, the Izestee Plant Cultivator is on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. By now, it has raised over $138,000. People can still pre-order it at a discounted price of $89, but it’s important to remember that backing a crowdfunding project comes with no guarantees.

Although the Izestee does not invent aeroponics, it undoubtedly has a surprising charm. Watching the whole plant — with its new roots developing and growing — right on your desk is an amazing experience that brings nature close to daily life and wakes people’s interest in planting.

1.1. What is a key feature of aeroponics according to Paragraph 1?

A It is a recent invention.

B It requires no soil.

C It is difficult to use.

D It works only outdoors.

解析：选B。B细节理解题。该题询问第一段中关于气雾栽培的关键特征，答案可直接从原文中找到明确对应句。第一段第一句明确说明：“Aeroponics, a way of growing plants in air or mist without soil...” 这直接指出气雾栽培的核心特征是不需要土壤。选项A（它是最近的发明）与原文中“has long existed”矛盾；选项C（难以使用）和D（仅适用于户外）在文中均未提及。因此，B为正确答案。

2.2. What is the main advantage of the Izestee’s transparent chamber?

A It is very lightweight.

B It provides extra heat.

C It remains clear with mist.

D It stores water for roots.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。该题考查对透明培养室主要优点的具体描述，答案对应原文第二段的细节。第二段中提到：“The cultivator uses a high-transparency PC chamber with a hydrophobic layer, which keeps the surface clear even under continuous misting.” 这说明即使持续喷雾，表面仍能保持清晰，便于观察植物根部。选项A（非常轻便）、B（提供额外热量）和D（为根部储水）均未在描述透明培养室时提及，因此C为正确答案。

3.3. We can infer from the text that the grow light ________.

A works better outdoors

B replaces natural sunlight fully

C suits all kinds of plants

D helps indoor plants grow well

解析：选D。D 推理判断题。该题要求根据文中信息进行合理推断，而非直接引用原文。第三段提到：“...a grow light that copies natural sunlight indoors to help plants with photosynthesis.” 结合上下文可知，Izestee是为室内种植设计的桌面生态系统，因此生长灯的作用是在室内模拟阳光，促进植物光合作用，从而帮助室内植物良好生长。选项A（在户外效果更好）与室内设计矛盾；选项B（完全替代自然阳光）文中未说明；选项C（适合所有种类植物）过度推断，文中仅提及可调节喷雾模式以适应不同植物，未涉及生长灯的普适性。因此，D为最合理的推断。

4.4. How does the author describe the experience of using the Izestee?

A Complicated and risky.

B Ordinary and dull.

C A passing fashion.

D Engaging and fascinating.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。该题询问作者对使用Izestee体验的描述，答案对应文章结尾部分的评价性语言。最后一段明确写道：“Watching the whole plant...right on your desk is an amazing experience...and wakes people’s interest in planting.” 这表明作者认为这一体验令人惊叹且能激发兴趣。选项A（复杂且有风险）与文中描述的便捷体验不符；选项B（普通且枯燥）与作者态度相反；选项C（一时的流行）未在文中体现。因此，D（吸引人且令人着迷）准确概括了作者的描述。