科学家希望能解开未解之谜

短语讲解：

1. Then, starting about 2,000 years ago, some of them settled in large, permanent villages.

settle in (使)开始在…居住; 安顿下来, 适应于新家
例句：We are settled in our new home.
我们住进了新房。

2. An on-going excavation to find out why this fundamental transformation occurred has archaeologists focusing on an ethnographic group in the Pacific Northwest called the Coast Salish people.

find out发现, 看穿, 揭发, 找出;查明
例句：It was found out that certain herbal medicines had curative effect on AIDS.
经研究发现有些草药对艾滋病有疗效。
focus on集中于，致力于
例句：Today we're going to focus on the question of homeless people.
今天, 我们主要讨论无家可归者的问题。

3. The skyscrapers of Vancouver, Canada twinkle across the water while tall Douglas firs shade the excavation squares and sifting stations as researchers from Washington State University and the University of British Columbia kneel in pits, carefully scraping away with trowel or brush.

scrape away用利物刮, 擦掉
例句：Scraping away patiently in soil with their fingers, the team of scientists discovered the ruins of an ancient civilization.
科考队员们耐心地用手指在泥土中扒, 从而发现了一个古代文明的遗迹。

4. "When do people start to settle down?"

settle down 定居, 过安定生活,（在某地）定居下来
例句：The organization aims to settle newcomers down in the city.
该组织旨在帮助新来的人在这座城市安家落户。

5. In many parts of the world, the rise of village life is associated with the introduction of farming.

associate with与…交往, 联系
例句：Foreigners always associate China with the Great Wall.
外国人总是把中国和长城联系在一起。

6. "But of course, here no one invented agriculture," says Grier. Instead, the Salish people relied on fish, clams, game and wild plants.

rely on信赖, 依赖
例句：Hong Kong's prosperity relies heavily on foreign businesses.
香港的繁荣在很大程度上依赖于外国商行。

7. The researchers consult closely with the local Indian tribe. Penelakut tribal member Robert Sam, who believes ancestors of his lived in the village, supports the excavation.

consult with与(某人)磋商
例句：Before we can accept the firm's offer, we must consult with the workers.
在我们接受这家公司的提议之前, 我们必须与工人们商量。

8. Grier has worked here off and on since 1997, and says the ancient tribal village is slowly giving up its secrets.

off and on断断续续, 有时
例句：She cried off and on all day.
她整天不时地哭。
give up泄露
例句：When will the desert give up its secrets to mankind?
沙漠何时才会向人类显露它的秘密呢?