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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #43996 Tardigrades
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
Tardigrades,  also  known  as  water  bears,  are  microscopic  animals  that  can  live  in  almost  any  environment,  from  the  deep  sea  to  the  frozen  poles.  They  have  a  remarkable  ability  to  enter  a    of  deep  hibernation  when  faced  with  harsh  conditions  such  as  high  temperatures,  radiation,  or  dehydration.  But  how  do  they  do  it?  Researchers  have  discovered  that  tardigrades  use  tiny  molecular  sensors  in  their  cells  to    the  level  of  harmful  molecules  which  are  produced  by  stress.  These  sensors    an  amino  acid  called  cysteine,  which  changes  its  structure  and  function  when  oxidized  by  harmful  stress  molecules.  This    the  tardigrades  to  enter  or  exit  hibernation,  depending  on  the  situation.  The  researchers  say  that  this  mechanism  may  help  us  understand  the  ageing  process  and  the  possibility  of  long-term  space  travel.

Result:

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Correct answer: state

Explanation: The word 'state' fits grammatically as it refers to a specific condition or mode of being, which aligns with the context of deep hibernation. It indicates a particular phase that tardigrades can enter, making it the most suitable choice in this context.

Meaning: 'State' refers to a particular condition or situation that something is in, especially in terms of physical or mental status.

Wrong options:

  • path: The word 'path' implies a route or course, which does not relate to the concept of hibernation and is grammatically incorrect in this context.
  • circumstance: The term 'circumstance' refers to a condition or fact that affects a situation, but it does not convey the specific idea of a mode of being like 'state' does.
  • condition: While 'condition' could be relevant, it is less precise than 'state' in describing the specific phase of deep hibernation.
Correct answer: detect

Explanation: The verb 'detect' is appropriate here as it indicates the action of discovering or identifying the level of harmful molecules, fitting grammatically and contextually with the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Detect' means to discover or identify the presence of something, particularly through observation or measurement.

Wrong options:

  • amplify: The word 'amplify' means to increase or make something stronger, which does not fit the context of identifying harmful molecules.
  • disable: 'Disable' means to make something unable to function, which is contrary to the action of identifying or measuring levels of molecules.
  • introduce: The term 'introduce' implies bringing something into a situation, which does not align with the action of sensing or measuring.
Correct answer: are made of

Explanation: The phrase 'are made of' correctly indicates the composition of the sensors, fitting grammatically as it describes the material that constitutes the sensors in the present tense.

Meaning: 'Are made of' indicates what something consists of, specifically referring to the materials used to create the sensors.

Wrong options:

  • made: The word 'made' is in the past tense and does not fit the present context of describing the sensors' composition.
  • have been made: The phrase 'have been made' suggests a completed action in the past, which is not suitable for describing the current state of the sensors.
  • made in: 'Made in' typically refers to the location of manufacture, which does not convey the composition of the sensors.
Correct answer: signals

Explanation: The verb 'signals' appropriately conveys the action of indicating or communicating a message, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes what the change in structure does for the tardigrades.

Meaning: 'Signals' means to convey information or indicate something, particularly in a way that prompts a response or action.

Wrong options:

  • infers: The word 'infers' means to deduce or conclude information from evidence, which does not fit the context of actively indicating a response.
  • sustains: 'Sustains' means to support or maintain, which does not align with the action of indicating or signaling a change in behavior.
  • identifies: The term 'identifies' means to recognize or establish what something is, which does not accurately describe the action of prompting a response.

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