_____ endless tale of difference, Americans can still find many similarities between themselves.[ ]

A. In spite of  

B. Because of

C. As for  

D. In time of

“丝绸之路”是古代横贯亚洲的交通道路。其主要路线的东端起自（）。

A.渭水流域

B.汾河流域

C.淮河中部地区