What is plant science?
Plant science, also known as botany, is the scientific study of the estimated 410,000 plant species found on land around the globe. Plant scientists (1)___________ the characteristics of plants, how they grow, and their relationship with the environment. Research in the subject (2)___________ everything from cell life to how a plant interacts with pests and diseases.
This is of interest for various reasons. For example, plants produce complex chemicals which have useful (3)___________ in medicine, but they can be extremely challenging to reproduce in a conventional laboratory. Extracting active ingredients directly from plants and using these instead of manufacturing synthetic versions may be a cost-effective and efficient way to create life-saving drugs.
A further example of why studying plants is of value is human (4)___________ on plants for food, which is affected by changes in the environment, including global warming. By understanding and preserving plant biodiversity, food sources can be protected, whilst at the same time helping to (5)___________ plant species that provide cover and sustenance for other creatures.
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Correct Answer: C
Why this is correct: observe means 'watch carefully and study'. Plant scientists observe the features of plants, so this verb fits the careful study the sentence describes.
Tips: Memory trick: an observatory is where scientists observe the sky. To observe is to watch and study closely.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B: witness means 'see a single event happen'. This is a Thematic Trap - it is about seeing too, but study is ongoing, not a one-off event.
- A: regard means 'to consider or view as'. It does not mean 'study', so the meaning does not fit here.
Key Vocabulary:
- observe = watch carefully = study
- witness = see a one-time event
Correct Answer: A
Why this is correct: covers means 'includes' or 'deals with'. 'Research covers everything from cell life to pests' means the study includes that whole range of topics.
Tips: Memory trick: a blanket covers everything under it. Research that covers a topic spreads over all of it.
Why the other options are wrong:
- C: bases needs 'on' - you base something on something. This is a Structural Trap - 'research bases everything' is missing that pattern.
- B: treats can mean 'deals with a topic', but 'treats everything from... to...' is not natural. It fits one topic or medical care, not a whole range.
Key Vocabulary:
- cover = include = deal with a range
- base something on something (needs 'on')
Correct Answer: A
Why this is correct: applications means 'practical uses'. 'Useful applications in medicine' means real ways to use plant chemicals to help people.
Tips: Memory trick: an app on your phone applies to a job - it has a use. An application is a practical use.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B: demands means 'strong requests or needs'. That is the wrong idea - the sentence is about uses, not requests.
- C: requirements means 'things that are needed'. 'Useful requirements' does not fit, because requirements are not the same as uses.
Key Vocabulary:
- application = a practical use
- requirement = something that is needed
Correct Answer: A
Why this is correct: reliance means 'depending on something', and it pairs with 'on'. 'Human reliance on plants for food' means people depend on plants to eat.
Tips: Memory trick: to rely on someone is to lean on them. Reliance and 'on' always go together.
Why the other options are wrong:
- C: confidence takes 'in', not 'on', and it means 'trust or belief'. This is a Structural Trap - 'confidence on plants' uses the wrong preposition.
- B: importance takes 'of', not 'on'. This is a Structural Trap - 'importance on plants' does not follow the right pattern.
Key Vocabulary:
- reliance on = depending on
- confidence in (not 'on')
Correct Answer: B
Why this is correct: sustain means 'keep alive' or 'support'. 'Sustain plant species' means keeping those plants going, which fits protecting biodiversity.
Tips: Memory trick: food sustains you - it keeps you going. To sustain a species is to keep it alive.
Why the other options are wrong:
- C: prolong means 'make something last longer in time'. You prolong an event or a life, not a whole species, so it sounds odd here.
- A: endure means 'to suffer or last a long time', and it does not take an object like this. This is a Structural Trap - 'endure plant species' breaks the grammar.
Key Vocabulary:
- sustain = keep alive = support
- endure = put up with or last a long time
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