Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

Answer:Although early research suggested that the unique hunting behavior of the archerfish was purely instinctive, subsequent studies of juvenile development have 【challenged】 this notion, revealing that young fish must observe older group members to perfect their aim.

Answer

A word that indicates opposition, questioning, or weakening of an idea, such as 'challenged', 'undermined', or 'contradicted'.

The sentence sets up a contrast between early research (which proposed that archerfish hunting is 'purely instinctive') and subsequent studies (which showed that young fish learn by observing others). The verb in the blank describes the effect of the new studies on the older belief. Because the new findings show the old belief is incorrect or incomplete, a word that means to call into question or weaken—such as 'challenged' or 'undermined'—completes the text logically.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the sentence structure and context clues to identify relationships between the ideas.

The sentence begins with the concession word 'Although', which establishes a contrast between the early research and subsequent studies. The early research suggested that the archerfish's hunting behavior was 'purely instinctive', whereas the new studies show that young fish must 'observe older group members to perfect their aim' (indicating the behavior is learned through observation, not purely instinctive).

Recognizing the logical contrast created by 'Although' helps determine the direction of the missing word.

Determine the meaning required for the blank and identify appropriate vocabulary words.

Since the subsequent studies discovered that the behavior is learned, they contradict or call into question the earlier belief that the behavior is purely instinctive. Therefore, the blank requires a high-utility academic verb that means to oppose, weaken, or challenge a theory, such as 'challenged' or 'undermined'.

Matching the contextual relationship to precise academic vocabulary ensures the sentence is coherent and logical.

Key Concept

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

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