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Difficulty: EasyDecoding Low-Frequency Academic and Technical Words

Many species of nocturnal insects exhibit phototactic behavior; that is, they are automatically drawn toward artificial light sources. While biologists still debate the complex evolutionary mechanism behind this nocturnal flight pattern, the immediate behavioral response is undeniable. These insects will fly directly toward a campfire or streetlamp, demonstrating a clear movement toward light even when doing so increases their vulnerability to nearby predators.

As it is used in the passage, what is the most accurate meaning of the word phototactic?

  1. moving in response to lightAnswer
  2. B
    active only during the night
  3. C
    flying in irregular patterns
  4. D
    escaping from predators

Answer

moving in response to light
The passage provides a direct definition clue immediately following the target word: the phrase 'that is' is used to define 'phototactic' as being 'automatically drawn toward artificial light sources.' The author also later restates this as a 'movement toward light.' Therefore, the word refers to moving in response to light.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the target word in the passage and identify transition phrases signaling a definition.
The phrase 'that is' directly follows the word 'phototactic,' indicating that an explanation or definition is about to be provided.
Authors of academic and technical passages often use transition phrases to define low-frequency terms for the reader.
2
Analyze the words immediately following the transition phrase.
The text states 'they are automatically drawn toward artificial light sources' and later refers to 'movement toward light.'
These phrases provide the local context clues that define the target word's meaning.
3
Match the contextual definition to the correct option.
The definition of moving in response to light matches the clues of being drawn toward light.
This confirms the correct meaning based on the text.

Key Concept

Decoding low-frequency technical words using direct context clues (definition/restatement transitions).
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Decoding Low-Frequency Academic and Technical Words

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