Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The tuatara, which lives on New Zealand's islands, is affectionately known as Living fossil. It is called that because it is the only (1)_____ reptile in a group of reptiles that dates back about 220 million years to the time of the dinosaurs. The colour of the tuatara is grey or olive green. It (2)______ to a length of around 60 cm. The fact that this lizard has three eyes is its most (3)_______ feature. The pineal eye is the name given to the cone-shaped third eye. This eye is in a space between the brain and head. It has an eyelid over the third eye, which closes on a horizontal level. The tuatara has teeth that are (4)_______ from those of other reptiles. The lower jaw has only one row of teeth, while the upper jaw has two rows. The tuatara is most active at night. It eats the eggs of birds, frogs, rats and insects. A tuatara's average lifespan is less than 77 years, but some species can live up to 100 years. In the spring, the female tuatara lays 8 to 15 eggs. These eggs are (5)______ during summer.
Correct Answer :
develops
Solution :
The correct option is develops.
Let's analyze the context of the sentence containing blank number 2: "It (2)______ to a length of around 60 cm."
In this context, the sentence describes the physical growth and size of the tuatara. Among the given options:
1. develops: Means to grow, mature, or reach a full or advanced state. When referring to organisms, "develops to a length of..." correctly expresses reaching a specific size or physical stage.
2. nourishes: Means to provide with food or substances necessary for growth and health, which does not fit grammatically or contextually here.
3. links: Means to connect or join two things, which is irrelevant to biological length/growth.
4. creates: Means to bring something into existence, which is contextually incorrect.
Therefore, develops is the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
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