Meaning: 'Engineering' refers to the process of designing and building complex products or systems, particularly in technology and science.

Wrong options:

• finger-printing: This term refers specifically to the method of identifying individuals based on their unique fingerprints, which does not fit the broader context of genetic techniques.
• manipulating: While this verb relates to controlling or influencing something, it does not serve as a noun in this context and lacks the specificity needed for the blank.
• codiing: This option appears to be a misspelling of 'coding,' which refers to the process of writing instructions for computers. It does not relate directly to genetic techniques in the same way 'engineering' does.

Correct answer: about

Explanation: The word 'about' is the correct preposition that indicates the subject of the surprises being discussed. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it introduces the idea of bringing surprises into consideration.

Meaning: 'About' means concerning or regarding, indicating that the advances in applied science may lead to surprises related to our knowledge.

Wrong options:

• out: This preposition does not fit the context as it suggests a physical movement or release, which does not align with the idea of bringing surprises.
• back: This option implies a return to a previous state, which is not relevant to the context of new surprises arising from advances in science.
• down: This preposition typically indicates a direction or decrease, which does not logically connect with the idea of bringing surprises.

Correct answer: selection

Explanation: The term 'selection' fits grammatically as a noun that describes the process of natural selection, which is a key concept in evolution. It aligns perfectly with the context of discussing how humans evolved.

Meaning: 'Selection' refers to the process by which certain traits become more common in a population due to their advantages in survival and reproduction.

Wrong options:

• choice: This noun implies an act of choosing, which does not accurately describe the evolutionary process being discussed.
• survival: While related to evolution, this noun does not specifically refer to the mechanism of evolution, making it less suitable for the context.
• refining: This verb suggests improving something, which does not fit the context of describing the evolutionary process.

Correct answer: likely

Explanation: The word 'likely' is an adjective that indicates a high probability of occurrence, fitting grammatically and contextually to describe the nature of the details being discussed.

Meaning: 'Likely' means probable or expected to happen, indicating that the details of evolution are not expected to be surprising.

Wrong options:

• probable: While similar in meaning, 'probable' is more formal and does not fit the sentence structure as smoothly as 'likely.'
• possible: This term implies that something can happen but does not convey the same level of expectation as 'likely.'
• sure: This adjective indicates certainty, which is too strong for the context where the details are merely not expected to be surprising.

Correct answer: constitute

Explanation: The verb 'constitute' fits grammatically as it means to make up or form something, which aligns with the context of life beyond Earth being a significant surprise. It logically connects to the idea of proof leading to a major revelation.

Meaning: 'Constitute' means to be a part of or to form something, indicating that proof of extraterrestrial life would form a huge surprise.

Wrong options:

• comprise: This verb means to consist of or include, but it does not convey the same sense of forming a surprise as 'constitute.'
• compose: This verb refers to creating or forming something, but it is less appropriate in this context than 'constitute.'
• compile: This verb means to gather or assemble, which does not fit the context of forming a surprise.