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Difficulty: EasyWords in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

In many forest ecosystems, underground networks of mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with trees. By transferring water and nutrients directly to tree roots, these networks ________ the growth of the trees, allowing them to thrive even in nutrient-poor soils.

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

  1. facilitateAnswer
  2. B
    impede
  3. C
    simulate
  4. D
    anticipate

Answer

facilitate
The word 'facilitate' means to make a process or action easier. The passage states that the symbiotic networks of fungi transfer water and nutrients to tree roots, allowing the trees to thrive even in nutrient-poor soils. This indicates that the networks assist or make the growth of the trees easier, making 'facilitate' the most logical and precise word in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the relationship between the underground fungal networks and tree growth.
The text describes a symbiotic relationship where the fungi transfer water and nutrients to the roots, which helps the trees thrive.
Understanding the nature of the relationship (positive/beneficial) helps narrow down the meaning of the missing word.
2
Evaluate the choices to find a word that matches the meaning of helping or making the growth process easier.
'Facilitate' directly means to make a process easier, fitting both the positive tone and semantic requirements of the sentence.
This confirms the correct word choice based on context.

Key Concept

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary
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Topics

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

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