Questões de Inglês

According to the cartoon, Shep

Recent Human Adaptations

[1] Human populations live in an extraordinary variety of different habitats: hot and cold, wet and dry; in

forests, grasslands and tundra. Different human groups feed on a wide variety of food sources. For

many populations, diets shifted further with the development of agriculture in the past 10,000 years.

To what extent have these and other factors led to genetic adaptation?

[5] Human populations differ in various phenotypes – observable characteristics that result from

interactions between genes and the environment –, but scientific studies have shown that phenotypic

differences have a genetic basis and are adaptive. For example, mammals that live in cold climates

tend to have larger, rounder bodies and shorter limbs than members of the same or closely related

species in warm climates. These patterns do appear to also hold in humans, implying that population

{10}movements into colder climates were accompanied by adaptation to larger, stockier body shape,

presumably to improve thermal efficiency. At the other end of the spectrum is the pygmy phenotype

that has evolved in rainforest populations in Africa, South-East Asia and South America. Research

has suggested that this phenotype may be an adaptation to food limitations, high humidity or dense

forest undergrowth.

{15}Another impressive example of adaptation is provided by human populations living at high altitude,

especially in the Himalayas and the Andes. Compared to related lowland populations, these highelevation

populations show a group of physiological adaptations to low oxygen. These adaptations

include markedly increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the uterus during pregnancy,

substantially reducing the risk of babies with low birthweight. Current evidence suggests that these

{20}differences are not simply the result of recent acclimation, but are at least partly genetic. If this is

the case, then the adaptation must have occurred rapidly, because these high altitude regions were

settled within the last 10,000 years.

Skin pigmentation is perhaps the phenotype that varies most obviously among human populations.

Dark pigmentation is strongly associated with tropical climates, and the spread of prehistoric humans

{25}into northern latitudes was accompanied by a shift to lighter skin color. We now know of at least half

a dozen different genes that affect skin, hair or eye pigmentation. In particular, the evolution of light

skin color occurred largely in parallel in western Eurasia and east Asia, but we still know few of the

relevant genes in east Asia. Adaptation to lighter pigmentation may have been motivated by a need

to increase UV absorption for vitamin D synthesis at high latitudes or by sexual selection.

{30}These are only a few cases of genetic adaptation. There are surely some – perhaps many – other

factors yet to be found.

sciencedirect.com

Current evidence suggests that these differences are not simply the result of recent acclimation (ℓ. 19-20)

The underlined word above indicates that the author is cautious when he states that fact. The sentence from the text that shows the same attitude on the author’s part is:

Recent Human Adaptations

[1] Human populations live in an extraordinary variety of different habitats: hot and cold, wet and dry; in

forests, grasslands and tundra. Different human groups feed on a wide variety of food sources. For

many populations, diets shifted further with the development of agriculture in the past 10,000 years.

To what extent have these and other factors led to genetic adaptation?

[5] Human populations differ in various phenotypes – observable characteristics that result from

interactions between genes and the environment –, but scientific studies have shown that phenotypic

differences have a genetic basis and are adaptive. For example, mammals that live in cold climates

tend to have larger, rounder bodies and shorter limbs than members of the same or closely related

species in warm climates. These patterns do appear to also hold in humans, implying that population

{10}movements into colder climates were accompanied by adaptation to larger, stockier body shape,

presumably to improve thermal efficiency. At the other end of the spectrum is the pygmy phenotype

that has evolved in rainforest populations in Africa, South-East Asia and South America. Research

has suggested that this phenotype may be an adaptation to food limitations, high humidity or dense

forest undergrowth.

{15}Another impressive example of adaptation is provided by human populations living at high altitude,

especially in the Himalayas and the Andes. Compared to related lowland populations, these highelevation

populations show a group of physiological adaptations to low oxygen. These adaptations

include markedly increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the uterus during pregnancy,

substantially reducing the risk of babies with low birthweight. Current evidence suggests that these

{20}differences are not simply the result of recent acclimation, but are at least partly genetic. If this is

the case, then the adaptation must have occurred rapidly, because these high altitude regions were

settled within the last 10,000 years.

Skin pigmentation is perhaps the phenotype that varies most obviously among human populations.

Dark pigmentation is strongly associated with tropical climates, and the spread of prehistoric humans

{25}into northern latitudes was accompanied by a shift to lighter skin color. We now know of at least half

a dozen different genes that affect skin, hair or eye pigmentation. In particular, the evolution of light

skin color occurred largely in parallel in western Eurasia and east Asia, but we still know few of the

relevant genes in east Asia. Adaptation to lighter pigmentation may have been motivated by a need

to increase UV absorption for vitamin D synthesis at high latitudes or by sexual selection.

{30}These are only a few cases of genetic adaptation. There are surely some – perhaps many – other

factors yet to be found.

sciencedirect.com

Emphasis can be signalled by different linguistic elements. The underlined element that expresses emphasis is:

Recent Human Adaptations

[1] Human populations live in an extraordinary variety of different habitats: hot and cold, wet and dry; in

forests, grasslands and tundra. Different human groups feed on a wide variety of food sources. For

many populations, diets shifted further with the development of agriculture in the past 10,000 years.

To what extent have these and other factors led to genetic adaptation?

[5] Human populations differ in various phenotypes – observable characteristics that result from

interactions between genes and the environment –, but scientific studies have shown that phenotypic

differences have a genetic basis and are adaptive. For example, mammals that live in cold climates

tend to have larger, rounder bodies and shorter limbs than members of the same or closely related

species in warm climates. These patterns do appear to also hold in humans, implying that population

{10}movements into colder climates were accompanied by adaptation to larger, stockier body shape,

presumably to improve thermal efficiency. At the other end of the spectrum is the pygmy phenotype

that has evolved in rainforest populations in Africa, South-East Asia and South America. Research

has suggested that this phenotype may be an adaptation to food limitations, high humidity or dense

forest undergrowth.

{15}Another impressive example of adaptation is provided by human populations living at high altitude,

especially in the Himalayas and the Andes. Compared to related lowland populations, these highelevation

populations show a group of physiological adaptations to low oxygen. These adaptations

include markedly increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the uterus during pregnancy,

substantially reducing the risk of babies with low birthweight. Current evidence suggests that these

{20}differences are not simply the result of recent acclimation, but are at least partly genetic. If this is

the case, then the adaptation must have occurred rapidly, because these high altitude regions were

settled within the last 10,000 years.

Skin pigmentation is perhaps the phenotype that varies most obviously among human populations.

Dark pigmentation is strongly associated with tropical climates, and the spread of prehistoric humans

{25}into northern latitudes was accompanied by a shift to lighter skin color. We now know of at least half

a dozen different genes that affect skin, hair or eye pigmentation. In particular, the evolution of light

skin color occurred largely in parallel in western Eurasia and east Asia, but we still know few of the

relevant genes in east Asia. Adaptation to lighter pigmentation may have been motivated by a need

to increase UV absorption for vitamin D synthesis at high latitudes or by sexual selection.

{30}These are only a few cases of genetic adaptation. There are surely some – perhaps many – other

factors yet to be found.

sciencedirect.com

Human populations differ in various phenotypes (ℓ. 5)

In relation to these phenotypes, scientists have reached the following conclusion:

Recent Human Adaptations

[1] Human populations live in an extraordinary variety of different habitats: hot and cold, wet and dry; in

forests, grasslands and tundra. Different human groups feed on a wide variety of food sources. For

many populations, diets shifted further with the development of agriculture in the past 10,000 years.

To what extent have these and other factors led to genetic adaptation?

[5] Human populations differ in various phenotypes – observable characteristics that result from

interactions between genes and the environment –, but scientific studies have shown that phenotypic

differences have a genetic basis and are adaptive. For example, mammals that live in cold climates

tend to have larger, rounder bodies and shorter limbs than members of the same or closely related

species in warm climates. These patterns do appear to also hold in humans, implying that population

{10}movements into colder climates were accompanied by adaptation to larger, stockier body shape,

presumably to improve thermal efficiency. At the other end of the spectrum is the pygmy phenotype

that has evolved in rainforest populations in Africa, South-East Asia and South America. Research

has suggested that this phenotype may be an adaptation to food limitations, high humidity or dense

forest undergrowth.

{15}Another impressive example of adaptation is provided by human populations living at high altitude,

especially in the Himalayas and the Andes. Compared to related lowland populations, these highelevation

populations show a group of physiological adaptations to low oxygen. These adaptations

include markedly increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the uterus during pregnancy,

substantially reducing the risk of babies with low birthweight. Current evidence suggests that these

{20}differences are not simply the result of recent acclimation, but are at least partly genetic. If this is

the case, then the adaptation must have occurred rapidly, because these high altitude regions were

settled within the last 10,000 years.

Skin pigmentation is perhaps the phenotype that varies most obviously among human populations.

Dark pigmentation is strongly associated with tropical climates, and the spread of prehistoric humans

{25}into northern latitudes was accompanied by a shift to lighter skin color. We now know of at least half

a dozen different genes that affect skin, hair or eye pigmentation. In particular, the evolution of light

skin color occurred largely in parallel in western Eurasia and east Asia, but we still know few of the

relevant genes in east Asia. Adaptation to lighter pigmentation may have been motivated by a need

to increase UV absorption for vitamin D synthesis at high latitudes or by sexual selection.

{30}These are only a few cases of genetic adaptation. There are surely some – perhaps many – other

factors yet to be found.

sciencedirect.com

The text “Lucy caiu da árvore” is about an ancestral African female. Her characteristics can be related to the studies on phenotypes presented in the text “Recent human adaptations”.Among her characteristics, the ones that best illustrate one of these studies are:

  When you’re traveling internationally, eating at local restaurants is an opportunity to learn about that country’s culture and customs, says Gert Kopera, the executive vice president of global restaurants for Hakkasan Group, a collection of 41 restaurants worldwide. But, Mr. Kopera said, dining out can also make travelers uncomfortable. “Dining etiquette and traditions vary by country, and if you don’t know the customs in the destination you’re visiting,” he said, “it’s easy to feel like a fish out of water.” Mr. Kopera has eaten thousands of meals in more than 70 countries, and here, he shares his advice on how to dine out successfully anywhere in the world.

  Learn when locals eat, Mr. Kopera said, so that you’re not going to closed or empty restaurants. In the United States, dinner is usually eaten from 6 to 7 p.m. and is the biggest meal of the day, but not so in other countries: In England, for example, high tea, served around 4 p.m., is a meal itself while supper is lighter and served at 8 p.m. or later. In Spain and South America, the average dinner starts at 10 p.m., and in India, anywhere from 9 to 11 p.m. is the norm. “You’ll experience the authentic local culture if your dining times are in rhythm with the locals,” he said.

  Using utensils improperly can be a sign of disrespect in another country, Mr. Kopera said. He suggested that travelers observe locals while they eat and follow their practices. In China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, chopsticks are the most common utensil, but sticking them upright in rice is considered offensive. In India and areas of the Middle East and Africa, eating with hands is normal, but be careful about using the left hand – it can be considered unclean.

  In many countries – including Brazil, France and Italy – meals span several hours and are a time to connect with family and friends. Mr. Kopera suggested that travelers do the same. “Savor the food and conversation,” he said. And, once you are ready to leave, ask for your check because in many international destinations, servers present it to diners only upon request.

  Find out the proper tipping etiquette and way to pay in whatever country you are visiting. Tipping is not expected in many countries, and in some countries like Japan, it can be insulting. Also, in some countries, such as France, splitting the bill is considered to be unsophisticated. And know ahead of time if the restaurant you’re going to accepts credit cards. In parts of Africa and Asia, the only way to pay at many restaurants is to use the local currency, and being cashless can make for an uncomfortable ending to your meal.

(Shivani Vora. www.nytimes.com, 18.07.2017. Adaptado.) 

In the excerpt from the fifth paragraph “splitting the bill is considered to be unsophisticated.”, the word in bold can be replaced, without changing the meaning of the sentence, by