Meaning: 'Cling' means to hold on tightly to something, which is exactly what mosquitoes do when they attach to skin or surfaces.

Wrong options:

• fly: 'Fly' refers to the act of moving through the air, which does not convey the idea of sticking to a surface.
• hang: 'Hang' implies being suspended without support, which does not accurately describe the action of mosquitoes adhering to surfaces.
• hover: 'Hover' means to remain in one place in the air, which is not relevant to the context of sticking to a surface.

Correct answer: figured

Explanation: The word 'figured' is appropriate here as it indicates that the physicists have solved or understood a problem, fitting the past tense context of the sentence. It logically follows the action of discovering how mosquitoes perform their feats.

Meaning: 'Figured' means to understand or solve something, indicating that the physicists have come to a conclusion about the mosquitoes' abilities.

Wrong options:

• given: 'Given' implies providing something, which does not fit the context of understanding or solving a problem.
• led: 'Led' suggests guiding or directing, which does not convey the idea of discovering or figuring something out.
• pieced: 'Pieced' implies assembling parts together, which does not accurately reflect the process of understanding or solving a mystery.

Correct answer: trick

Explanation: The word 'trick' fits well as it refers to a clever or skillful act, which is what the sentence is describing about mosquitoes' abilities. It aligns with the context of revealing how mosquitoes achieve their remarkable feats.

Meaning: 'Trick' refers to a clever or skillful act, particularly one that may seem surprising or deceptive, which is fitting for the context of mosquitoes' abilities.

Wrong options:

• resolve: 'Resolve' means to find a solution, which does not fit the context of describing a clever act or ability.
• atch: 'Atch' is not a recognized English word and does not fit grammatically or contextually.
• catch: 'Catch' implies capturing or seizing, which does not convey the idea of a clever act or skill.

Correct answer: hooks

Explanation: The word 'hooks' is grammatically correct as it refers to small, curved structures that can latch onto surfaces, fitting the context of how mosquitoes attach to skin. It aligns with the description of their physical features.

Meaning: 'Hooks' are small, curved structures that can grasp or hold onto something, which is how mosquitoes attach to surfaces.

Wrong options:

• hugs: 'Hugs' refers to an embrace, which does not fit the context of physical attachment in this scenario.
• patches: 'Patches' implies a piece of material, which does not accurately describe the structures used by mosquitoes to cling.
• tips: 'Tips' refers to the ends of something, which does not convey the idea of a gripping mechanism.

Correct answer: remarkable

Explanation: The word 'remarkable' is suitable as it describes something worthy of attention or extraordinary, fitting the context of mosquitoes' unique ability to walk on water. It aligns with the overall tone of admiration in the passage.

Meaning: 'Remarkable' means extraordinary or worthy of notice, which is appropriate for describing the impressive feat of mosquitoes walking on water.

Wrong options:

• valuable: 'Valuable' implies worth or importance, which does not capture the extraordinary nature of the feat as effectively as 'remarkable.'
• irresistible: 'Irresistible' suggests something that cannot be resisted, which does not fit the context of describing a physical ability.
• charitable: 'Charitable' refers to giving or kindness, which is unrelated to the context of describing a physical feat.

Correct answer: measured

Explanation: The word 'measured' fits grammatically as it indicates the action of determining the quantity or force, aligning with the past tense used in the sentence. It logically follows the context of the physicists conducting an experiment.

Meaning: 'Measured' means to determine the size, amount, or degree of something, which is what the physicists did with the mosquito leg.

Wrong options:

• dwindled: 'Dwindled' means to decrease in size or amount, which does not fit the context of conducting an experiment.
• hectored: 'Hectored' implies bullying or harassing, which is irrelevant to the scientific context of measuring forces.
• beckoned: 'Beckoned' means to signal or summon, which does not relate to the action of measuring in this context.