Read the excerpt below and fill in the blank with the single, most precise word that maintains the formal, scientific tone of the passage.
Answer:Deep within the dense temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, mycologists recently discovered a rare species of fungus capable of breaking down complex synthetic polymers. While earlier researchers assumed that synthetic materials would persist indefinitely in cold soils, experiments demonstrated that this organism can 【degrade】 toxic plastic pollutants into harmless organic compounds in a matter of weeks.
Answer
The most precise and contextually appropriate word is 'degrade' (or 'decompose').
The word 'degrade' is the most precise choice because it specifically describes the chemical breakdown of polymers into smaller molecules within a formal scientific context.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Choosing precise verbs that convey exact meaning and align with the passage's formal tone.