Loading question...
You are in free guest mode. Timed Practice Revision List Attempt History Progress Tracking Create a free account to unlock these tools
Prev Next
Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #35323 Coconut crabs
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
Coconut  crabs  spend  most  of  their  lives  on  land,  but  they  start  out  in  the  ocean.  On  the  new  moon,  a  female  coconut  crab    larvae  (which  she's  been  carrying  around  in  her  abdomen  since  they  were  just  fertilized  eggs)  into  the  ocean,  and  the  babies    around  in  the  currents  for  a  month  or  so  before  dropping  to  the  seafloor  and  finding  nice,  cozy  snail  shells  to  move  into.  Just  like  your  childhood  hermit  crab  friend,  young  coconut  crabs  move  in  and  out  of  shells  as  they    up  and  get  used  to  living  on  land.  Sometimes  a  juvenile  coconut  crab  will  use  a  coconut  husk  or  empty  sea  shell  as    until  its  own  shell  gets  harder.  After  about  a  year,  the  teens  of  the  species  eventually  find  there  are  no  shells  left  on  the  beach  large  enough  to    their  bulk,  so  they  move  out  altogether.  From  here  on  out,  they  live  the  rest  of  their  lives  out  of  the  water  --  coconut  crabs  will  drown  if  totally  submerged.

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct answer: deposits

Explanation: The verb 'deposits' fits grammatically as it indicates the action of placing something down, which is appropriate in the context of a female coconut crab releasing larvae into the ocean. It aligns with the tense and subject of the sentence, as it is in the present tense and matches the singular subject 'a female coconut crab'.

Meaning: 'Deposits' means to place or put something down in a specific location, in this case, the larvae into the ocean.

Wrong options:

  • receives: The verb 'receives' implies taking in something, which does not fit the context of releasing larvae into the ocean.
  • eats: The verb 'eats' suggests consumption, which is not relevant here as the crab is not consuming the larvae but rather releasing them.
  • values: The verb 'values' indicates appreciation or worth, which does not apply to the action of releasing larvae.
Correct answer: float

Explanation: The verb 'float' is appropriate as it describes the action of the larvae moving on the surface of the water, which is contextually accurate. It is in the present tense and matches the subject 'the babies', indicating what they do in the ocean currents.

Meaning: 'Float' means to rest or move on the surface of a liquid without sinking, which describes how the larvae behave in the ocean.

Wrong options:

  • drown: The verb 'drown' implies sinking and dying in water, which contradicts the intended meaning of the larvae moving in the ocean.
  • jumps: The verb 'jumps' suggests a sudden movement upwards, which does not accurately describe the passive action of larvae in water.
  • swims: The verb 'swims' implies active movement through water, which is not the best fit as the context suggests a more passive action.
Correct answer: bulk

Explanation: The verb 'bulk' fits grammatically as it indicates the action of growing larger or gaining mass, which is relevant to the context of young coconut crabs as they grow. It is in the present tense and matches the subject 'young coconut crabs'.

Meaning: 'Bulk' means to grow in size or mass, which describes the process of young crabs increasing in size as they adapt to land living.

Wrong options:

  • move: The verb 'move' is too general and does not specifically convey the idea of growing larger, which is the focus of this sentence.
  • make: The verb 'make' implies creating or forming something, which does not fit the context of growth in size.
  • fills: The verb 'fills' suggests occupying space, which does not accurately describe the growth process of the crabs.
Correct answer: armor

Explanation: The noun 'armor' is suitable as it refers to a protective covering, which is contextually relevant since juvenile crabs use shells for protection. It fits grammatically as a noun that complements the action of using a coconut husk or sea shell.

Meaning: 'Armor' refers to a protective covering that shields an organism, in this case, the crab using shells for safety.

Wrong options:

  • friend: The noun 'friend' does not fit contextually as it implies companionship rather than protection, which is the focus here.
  • shadow: The noun 'shadow' suggests a dark shape or outline, which does not relate to the protective function of shells.
  • representing: The word 'representing' is a verb form that does not fit grammatically as a noun in this context.
Correct answer: accomodate

Explanation: The verb 'accomodate' fits grammatically as it indicates the ability to provide space for something, which is relevant to the context of shells being large enough for the crabs. It is in the present tense and matches the plural subject 'shells'.

Meaning: 'Accomodate' means to provide enough space or room for something, in this case, the shells needing to be large enough for the crabs' size.

Wrong options:

  • keep: The verb 'keep' implies holding onto something, which does not fit the context of providing space for the crabs.
  • pounce: The verb 'pounce' suggests a sudden attack or leap, which is irrelevant to the context of finding suitable shells.
  • segregate: The verb 'segregate' means to separate or divide, which does not apply to the context of needing space for growth.

The rest of this explanation is for members. Sign in free to read why the other options are wrong, key words and tips.

Sign in to read the full explanation

With a free account: Retry and compare every attempt.
Be the first! No community answers here yet. Submit yours and help others learn.
How difficult was this question?
Others found: 100% Easy · 0% Medium · 0% Hard
Saving...