14. Moreover, even though humans have been upright for millions of years, our feet and back continue to struggle with bipedal posture and cannot easily withstand repeated strain imposed by oversize limbs.
【分析】复合句。even though 引导让步状语从句,其中 for millions of years 作从句的时间状语,主句的主语是 our feet and back,由 and 连接的两个动词结构 continue to struggle 和 cannot easily withstand 并列作谓语。
【译文】此外,虽然人类直立行走数百万年了,但我们的双足和背仍然在与两足行走的姿势作斗争,很难承受过长肢体带来的持续压力。
【临摹】强者能在命运之风暴中奋力拼搏。
15. And if you need to predict human height in the near future to design a piece of equipment, Gordon says that by and large, "you could use today's data and feel fairy confident."
【分析】复合句。if 引导条件状语从句,其中 to design...作目的状语。主句主干为 Gordon says that...,此时 that 引导宾语从句。
【译文】如果你需要预测人类在不久的将来的身高以便设计某种装备,高登还说,基本上“你可以使用目前的数据,并且大可放心其可靠性。”
【点拨】1)equipment“设备,器材”与 furniture“家具”一样,都是不可数名词,要表达“一件设备/家具”,需用 a piece of equipment/furniture。2)by and large 意为“总的来说;大体上”。
【临摹】我不能完全认同你的观点,但是大体上我认为你的观点还是有道理的。