Meaning: 'With' indicates a relationship or connection, suggesting that innovation is closely tied to these discoveries.

Wrong options:

• toward: The word 'toward' implies direction rather than association, making it grammatically incorrect in this context.
• by: The preposition 'by' suggests agency or means, which does not convey the intended association with discoveries.
• about: The word 'about' indicates a topic rather than a connection, failing to express the relationship between innovation and discoveries.

Correct answer: replete

Explanation: The adjective 'replete' means filled or well-supplied, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes history being full of examples of young scientists.

Meaning: 'Replete' means abundantly filled or supplied, indicating that history has many examples of young scientists.

Wrong options:

• alternative: The word 'alternative' suggests a choice or option, which does not fit the context of being filled with examples.
• present: The adjective 'present' refers to the current time, which does not convey the idea of being filled with historical examples.
• substantial: The word 'substantial' implies a large amount but does not specifically indicate fullness or abundance as 'replete' does.

Correct answer: late

Explanation: The adjective 'late' refers to a period towards the end of a range, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes Marie Curie's age in her twenties.

Meaning: 'Late' in this context means towards the end of her twenties, indicating she was not at the beginning of that decade.

Wrong options:

• former: The word 'former' refers to something that has previously existed, which does not apply to age in this context.
• first: The adjective 'first' indicates the beginning, which contradicts the idea of being in the later part of her twenties.
• basic: The word 'basic' implies simplicity or fundamental nature, which does not relate to age or stage of life.

Correct answer: brilliance

Explanation: The noun 'brilliance' refers to exceptional talent or intelligence, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the trend towards youthful excellence in science.

Meaning: 'Brilliance' means exceptional talent or intelligence, highlighting the remarkable capabilities of young scientists.

Wrong options:

• stagnation: The word 'stagnation' implies a lack of growth or development, which is the opposite of the intended meaning of youthful excellence.
• affiliation: The noun 'affiliation' refers to a connection or association, which does not convey the idea of talent or intelligence.
• highlight: The word 'highlight' refers to an important point or feature, which does not fit as a descriptor of a trend in science.

Correct answer: notion

Explanation: The noun 'notion' refers to an idea or belief, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the concept that scientists peak young.

Meaning: 'Notion' means an idea or belief, indicating that the statement about scientists peaking young is a commonly held belief.

Wrong options:

• myth: The word 'myth' implies a widely held but false belief, which does not accurately reflect the supported idea presented in the text.
• role: The noun 'role' refers to a function or position, which does not fit the context of describing an idea or belief.
• mechanism: The word 'mechanism' refers to a process or system, which does not align with the concept of a belief or idea.