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Difficulty: MediumSecondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings

In evolutionary biology, researchers have noted that phenotypic traits are rarely hardwired by genetic sequences alone; rather, certain physiological features remain remarkably plastic, enabling organisms to modify their structures in response to shifting environmental stressors. In the context of the passage, which of the following words best captures the meaning of 'plastic'?

  1. A
    synthetic
  2. adaptableAnswer
  3. C
    superficial
  4. D
    unyielding
  5. E
    fragile

Answer

In the context of the passage, 'plastic' means adaptable or malleable.
The correct option is 'adaptable'. In biological contexts, 'plastic' (as in phenotypic plasticity) refers to the capacity of an organism to alter its phenotype in response to environmental conditions. The passage explicitly contrasts 'plastic' with 'hardwired' and explains that it allows organisms to 'modify their structures,' making 'adaptable' the precise contextual meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the passage context surrounding the target word
The word 'plastic' is contrasted with 'hardwired' and described as enabling organisms to 'modify their structures in response to shifting environmental stressors.'
Contextual clues and structural contrasts dictate the intended secondary meaning of polysemous words.
2
Evaluate the secondary meanings of the word 'plastic'
Beyond its primary noun definition (synthetic polymer material), 'plastic' as an adjective means capable of being shaped, molded, or adapted.
Determining the relevant secondary definition aligns with the contextual evidence.
3
Match the contextually appropriate definition to the choices
'Adaptable' directly mirrors the concept of modifying physiological structures dynamically.
It correctly identifies the intended secondary definition while rejecting primary definition traps.

Key Concept

Secondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Secondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings

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