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Question

Difficulty: MediumIdioms and Phrasal Expressions in Context

In analyzing the migratory patterns of monarch butterflies, researchers must bring to bear a diverse array of scientific disciplines, ranging from chemical ecology to aerodynamics. By synthesizing these distinct fields, biologists can finally understand how these delicate insects navigate thousands of miles with such precision. Relying on a single specialized line of inquiry would inevitably result in a highly incomplete explanation of this complex, multi-faceted natural phenomenon.

As it is used in the passage, the phrase 'bring to bear' most nearly means:

  1. A
    endure or tolerate
  2. B
    physically transport a heavy load
  3. apply or utilizeAnswer
  4. D
    yield or produce fruit

Answer

apply or utilize
In the context of the passage, the researchers are using various scientific fields to solve a complex problem. Therefore, the phrase 'bring to bear' means to apply or utilize these disciplines.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the target phrase 'bring to bear' in the passage and identify the object it acts upon.
The phrase acts upon 'a diverse array of scientific disciplines, ranging from chemical ecology to aerodynamics.'
This establishes what resources are being brought to bear.
2
Examine context clues surrounding the target phrase to understand how the disciplines are being treated.
The text mentions 'synthesizing these distinct fields' to 'understand how these delicate insects navigate.'
Synthesizing and using these fields indicates that researchers are putting them into practice or applying them to solve the mystery.
3
Evaluate the answer choices to identify the definition that matches the contextual meaning of employing or putting resources to use.
The phrase 'apply or utilize' accurately matches this meaning, whereas the other options rely on literal meanings or definitions that fit different contexts.
Eliminating distractors based on literal or out-of-context meanings leaves the correct answer choice.

Key Concept

Context-dependent interpretation of idioms and phrasal verbs
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Topics

Idioms and Phrasal Expressions in Context

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