Lightning usually destroys (破坏) trees it hits. But scientists have found an amazing tree. It not only lives through lightning strikes (击中) but actually grows better because of them!

For years, scientists thought lightning was only bad for trees. But as they explored places like the Amazon rainforest, they started to think there could be trees that fight against lightning. It wasn’t until about 100 years ago that such “super trees” were discovered. Now, they know of a tree that uses lightning’s power to kill nearby trees and get more sunlight and nutrients (营养) for itself.

In 2015, scientist Evan Gora saw a Dipteryx oleifera tree, which had been struck by strong lightning. It wasn’t badly harmed while the neighboring trees were killed. Scientists thought this tree could handle lightning, but there was no way to be sure.

Gora and his team saw more of these trees that grew well after lightning strikes. So, they did a study. They followed 93 trees struck by lightning for 2—6 years. They found that all 9 Dipteryx oleifera trees in the study survived with little harm. But 84 other trees were badly hurt, and 64% of them died within two years.

These Dipteryx oleifera trees are very tall and have wide tops, making them 68% more likely to be struck by lightning than other trees. During the study, one of the Dipteryx trees was struck twice in 5 years yet continued to grow well.

At present, more studies suggest that these trees attract (吸引) lightning on purpose to destroy other trees and grow better. Scientists are not sure how these trees survive lightning, but they guess it may involve the trees’ ability to carry electricity. They are also interested in other trees with similar characteristics.

1.1. What is special about the Dipteryx oleifera tree?

A It dies quickly after lightning strikes.

B It takes in nutrients directly from lightning.

C It grows better after being struck by lightning.

D It avoids lightning by hiding under other trees.

解析：选C。细节理解题，题干问盾柱木的特别之处。原文第一段明确提到 “它不仅能在雷击后存活，实际上还会因雷击长得更好”，与选项 C 一致。A 选项 “雷击后快速死亡” 与原文 “全部幸存” 相悖；B 选项 “直接从闪电获取营养” 错误，原文是借闪电杀死周边树木间接获取资源；D 选项 “躲在其他树下避闪电” 与原文 “被雷击概率更高” 不符。故选 C。

2.2. What does the underlined word “handle” in Paragraph 3 mean?

A Mix up.

B Give out.

C Suffer from.

D Deal with.

解析：选D。词义猜测题，题干问第三段 “handle” 的含义。结合上下文，盾柱木遭雷击后未受严重伤害，而周边树木死亡，科学家认为它能 “应对” 闪电。A 选项 “混淆”、B 选项 “释放”、C 选项 “遭受” 均不符合语境；D 选项 “处理、应对” 契合逻辑。故选 D。

3.3. Why do Dipteryx oleifera trees attract lightning?

A To get more water from the sky.

B To kill nearby trees for growth.

C To become shorter and stronger.

D To protect other trees around them.

解析：选B。细节理解题，题干问盾柱木吸引闪电的原因。原文最后一段明确提到 “这类树木会刻意吸引闪电，以摧毁其他树木，从而让自己长得更好”，即通过杀死周边树木获取更多生长资源，与选项 B 一致。A 选项 “从天空获取更多水”、C 选项 “变得更矮更强壮”、D 选项 “保护周边树木” 均未在原文提及。故选 B。

4.4. What might scientists do next according to the text?

A Plant more Dipteryx oleifera trees.

B Study how trees attract lightning better.

C Find out where Dipteryx oleifera trees live.

D Look for more trees that can survive lightning.

解析：选D。推理判断题，题干问科学家接下来可能做什么。原文最后一句提到 “他们也对其他具有类似特性的树木充满兴趣”，可推测科学家会进一步寻找更多能在雷击中存活的树木。A 选项 “种植更多盾柱木”、B 选项 “研究树木如何更好吸引闪电”、C 选项 “找出盾柱木的生长地” 均无原文依据；D 选项 “寻找更多能抵御雷击的树木” 符合原文逻辑。故选 D。