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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #52186 American continent
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
The  American  bison,  once  a  majestic  icon  of  the  North  American  continent,  traversed  an  expansive  range.  Encompassing  nearly  one-third  of  the  continent,  their  territory  stretched  from  the  tidal  waters  of  the  Atlantic  coast,  weaving  through  dense  forests  and  crossing  the  formidable  Alleghanies,  to  the  emerald  prairies  along  the  Mississippi.  While  the  vast  Great  Plains  served  as  their  natural  ,  thriving  in  vibrant  numbers,  their  unfettered  roaming  extended  further.  They  ventured  south  across  the  scorching  plains  of  Texas  and  into  Mexico,  scaled  the  Rocky  Mountains  into  New  Mexico,  Utah,  and  Idaho,  and  even  pushed  north  to  the  desolate  shores  of  Great  Slave  Lake.  Had  humanity  not  relentlessly    their  unmolested  existence,  one  can  easily  conjecture  their  eventual  westward  odyssey  across  the  Sierra  Nevadas  and  Coast  Range,  finding  sanctuary  in  the  fertile  valleys  beyond.  This    reign,  allowed  to  unfold  over  centuries,  would  have  likely  resulted  in  the  emergence  of  distinct  subspecies.  The  scorching  southern  regions,  akin  to  India's  gaur  and  the  African  buffalo,  would  have  sculpted  a  short-haired  bison  breed.  In  contrast,  the  harsh  northern  environs,  mirroring  the  musk  ox's  dense  coat,  would  have  favored  individuals  with  even  longer  and  thicker  fur.  The  aptly  named  "wood"  or  "mountain  buffalo"  already  served  as  a  presage  of  the    awaiting  those  choosing  the  rugged  mountains  as  their  permanent  abode.  The  American  bison's  story,  tragically  truncated,  nonetheless  offers  a  glimpse  into  the  potential  diversity  and  dynamism  of  a  species  left  to  its  own    choreography.  Their  expansive  range,  a  testament  to  their  unyielding  spirit,  remains  a  poignant  reminder  of  the  profound  consequences  of  human  intervention  in  the  natural  world.

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct answer: habitat

Explanation: The word 'habitat' fits grammatically as a noun that describes the natural environment where the American bison thrived. It aligns contextually with the sentence, which discusses the bison's living conditions and their thriving numbers.

Meaning: 'Habitat' refers to the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organisms.

Wrong options:

  • provides: 'Provides' is a verb that does not fit grammatically in this context, as the sentence requires a noun to describe the bison's living area.
  • colourful: 'Colourful' is an adjective that describes appearance and does not relate to the concept of a living environment, making it contextually irrelevant.
  • precede: 'Precede' is a verb meaning to come before, which does not fit the context of describing where the bison lived.
Correct answer: impacted

Explanation: The word 'impacted' is the correct choice as it is a verb that indicates the influence or effect humanity had on the bison's existence. It fits grammatically and contextually, as the sentence discusses the consequences of human actions.

Meaning: 'Impacted' means to have a strong effect on something, in this case, the existence of the bison.

Wrong options:

  • image: 'Image' is a noun that does not fit grammatically or contextually, as it does not relate to the action of affecting the bison's existence.
  • ignoring: 'Ignoring' is a verb that implies neglect, which does not convey the active influence that humanity had on the bison's existence.
  • ignition: 'Ignition' is a noun related to starting a fire or process, which is irrelevant in the context of discussing the effects on the bison.
Correct answer: unhindered

Explanation: The word 'unhindered' is an adjective that describes the reign of the bison as being free from obstacles or interference. It fits grammatically and contextually, emphasizing the idea of a natural existence without human disruption.

Meaning: 'Unhindered' means not obstructed or impeded, allowing for free development or progress.

Wrong options:

  • unleaded: 'Unleaded' is an adjective typically used in the context of fuel and does not relate to the concept of a reign or existence.
  • unfairly: 'Unfairly' is an adverb that implies injustice, which does not fit the context of describing the bison's reign.
  • universe: 'Universe' is a noun that refers to all of space and time, which is unrelated to the context of the bison's existence.
Correct answer: adaptations

Explanation: The word 'adaptations' is a noun that refers to changes or adjustments made by organisms to better fit their environment. It fits grammatically and contextually, as the sentence discusses the potential changes in bison breeds due to environmental factors.

Meaning: 'Adaptations' are traits or characteristics that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Wrong options:

  • accommodate: 'Accommodate' is a verb that means to make room for or adjust to something, which does not fit the context of discussing future changes in bison.
  • alarming: 'Alarming' is an adjective that describes something that causes fear or concern, which is irrelevant in this context.
  • antique: 'Antique' is a noun or adjective referring to something old or collectible, which does not relate to the concept of biological changes.
Correct answer: ecological

Explanation: The word 'ecological' is an adjective that relates to the relationships between living organisms and their environment. It fits grammatically and contextually, as the sentence discusses the natural behaviors and interactions of the bison within their ecosystem.

Meaning: 'Ecological' pertains to the study of ecosystems and the interactions of organisms with their environment.

Wrong options:

  • Emotion: 'Emotion' is a noun that refers to feelings, which does not fit the context of discussing the natural behaviors of the bison.
  • embroiled: 'Embroiled' is a verb that means involved in conflict or difficulty, which does not relate to the concept of natural behavior.
  • encore: 'Encore' is a noun that refers to a repeated performance, which is irrelevant in the context of discussing ecological interactions.

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