Meaning: 'Native' refers to species that naturally occur in a specific region without human introduction, indicating that these bats belong to North America.

Wrong options:

• local: Local refers to something specific to a particular area but does not imply origin, making it less precise in this context.
• national: National suggests a broader scope, encompassing an entire country rather than the specific regional origin implied by 'native.'
• residential: Residential typically relates to living in a particular area but does not convey the idea of being indigenous or originating from that area.

Correct answer: champion

Explanation: The verb 'champion' means to support or advocate for something, which fits well in the context of encouraging gardeners to promote the bats that live in their area. It aligns with the tone of the sentence, which is about advocacy.

Meaning: 'Champion' means to actively support or defend a cause or group, in this case, the bats that are beneficial to gardens.

Wrong options:

• support: While 'support' is a synonym, it lacks the proactive connotation of 'champion,' which implies a stronger advocacy.
• help: 'Help' is more general and does not convey the same level of commitment or advocacy as 'champion.'
• fight: 'Fight' suggests a confrontational approach, which does not fit the supportive context of the sentence.

Correct answer: consume

Explanation: The verb 'consume' accurately describes the action of eating or using up resources, which fits grammatically with the plural subject 'bats' and contextually indicates their role in eating insects.

Meaning: 'Consume' means to eat or use up, highlighting the bats' dietary habits as insectivorous creatures.

Wrong options:

• spend: 'Spend' typically refers to using time or resources, which does not apply to the context of eating insects.
• provide: 'Provide' implies giving something, which does not accurately describe the action of bats eating insects.
• kill: 'Kill' suggests a violent action but does not specifically convey the act of eating, making it less suitable in this context.

Correct answer: pests

Explanation: The word 'pests' refers to unwanted organisms that can harm crops, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the type of insects that bats help control.

Meaning: 'Pests' are organisms that are detrimental to plants or crops, indicating the harmful insects that bats help manage.

Wrong options:

• species: 'Species' is a broader term that does not specifically indicate harmful organisms, making it too vague for this context.
• objects: 'Objects' is unrelated to the context of living organisms and does not fit the meaning intended in the sentence.
• animals: 'Animals' is too general and does not specifically refer to the harmful insects that bats target.