Meaning: 'Sampled' means to take a small part or quantity of something for testing or analysis, in this case, corals from the ocean.

Wrong options:

• reared: Reared means to raise or bring up, which does not fit the context of collecting samples from the ocean.
• regioned: Regioned is not a standard English word and does not convey any relevant meaning in this context.
• stapled: Stapled refers to fastening things together, which is unrelated to the action of collecting biological samples.

Correct answer: instruction

Explanation: The term 'instruction' is appropriate here as it refers to the genetic information contained within the genomes, aligning with the context of genetics and biological studies, and fits grammatically as a noun in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Instruction' in this context refers to the genetic code or information that dictates the biological characteristics of the corals.

Wrong options:

• construction: Construction refers to the act of building or forming something, which does not relate to genetic information.
• interaction: Interaction implies a relationship or action between entities, which is not the focus here regarding genetic information.
• action: Action refers to the process of doing something, which does not accurately describe the genetic information being discussed.

Correct answer: identified

Explanation: The verb 'identified' correctly indicates the action of recognizing or naming the three new species, fitting grammatically in the past tense and contextually within the scientific discovery narrative.

Meaning: 'Identified' means to recognize or establish what something is, in this case, the new coral species discovered by the researchers.

Wrong options:

• corrected: Corrected implies making something right or accurate, which does not fit the context of naming new species.
• intacted: Intacted is not a standard English word and does not convey any relevant meaning in this context.
• related: Related suggests a connection or association, which does not accurately describe the action of naming or recognizing new species.

Correct answer: favored

Explanation: The verb 'favored' is suitable here as it indicates a preference for different water depths among the coral species, fitting grammatically in the past tense and contextually within the ecological study being described.

Meaning: 'Favored' means to prefer or support something, in this case, the different coral species preferring specific water depths.

Wrong options:

• stared: Stared means to look fixedly, which does not relate to the behavior of coral species in their habitat.
• nurtured: Nurtured implies caring for or fostering growth, which does not accurately describe the relationship of corals to their preferred depths.
• adored: Adored means to love or regard with deep affection, which is not relevant in the context of ecological preferences.