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Question

Difficulty: EasyWords in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

Complete the text with the most logical and precise word.

Answer:Many harmless butterfly species have developed wing patterns that closely resemble those of toxic species. This physical adaptation serves to 【deter】 predators, which mistake the mimic butterflies for noxious prey and consequently choose not to attack them.

Answer

deter (or a synonym such as repel or discourage)
The word 'deter' (or a synonym like 'repel') fits the context because the passage describes an adaptation (mimicking toxic species) that discourages or prevents predators from attacking the harmless butterflies.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence containing the blank to determine the relationship between the butterfly's adaptation and the predators' behavior.
The text states that harmless butterflies mimic toxic species, causing predators to mistake them for dangerous prey and choose not to attack.
Understanding the cause-and-effect relationship helps identify what the adaptation does to the predators.
2
Identify a word that means to discourage or prevent someone (in this case, predators) from taking action.
The word 'deter' or 'repel' fits this meaning precisely and completes the sentence logically.
This matches the semantic context of stopping an attack due to perceived danger.

Key Concept

Determining high-utility vocabulary in context based on surrounding textual clues.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

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