Variations within a single species of butterfly often occur, and all kinds are to vary in their tint or markings, or sometimes both. These variations may at times be so as to be hardly noticeable, but in a fair proportion, the variation is quite striking. In such cases, unless the difference is extreme, it is possible to track all the intermediate stages between the ordinary form of a species and its most extreme variety. The coloring on the underside of a butterfly differs from that of the upper side and matches, or in with, its natural habitat to a remarkable degree. This is why, when they settle, you can see them with their wings positioned together upright over their back.
The number of known species of butterflies throughout the world has been put at about thirteen thousand or more, but some believe there are several thousand more species as yet undiscovered.
Result:
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Correct answer: whereas
Explanation: The word 'whereas' is used to contrast two different ideas, in this case, the characteristics of butterflies and moths. It fits grammatically as it introduces a clause that provides a contrasting statement about moths having various kinds of feelers, aligning well with the context of the sentence.
Meaning: 'Whereas' means 'in contrast to' or 'while,' indicating a difference between two subjects, here between butterflies and moths.
Wrong options:
- nevertheless: 'Nevertheless' implies a concession and does not introduce a contrasting clause, making it unsuitable in this context.
- however: 'However' is also used to indicate contrast but is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause, not fitting well in the middle of this sentence.
- nonetheless: 'Nonetheless' serves a similar purpose to 'nevertheless' and does not provide the direct contrast needed in this specific grammatical structure.
Correct answer: mistaken
Explanation: The word 'mistaken' fits grammatically as it describes the action of incorrectly identifying the brightly colored moths as butterflies. It aligns contextually with the sentence, which discusses how these moths can be confused with butterflies.
Meaning: 'Mistaken' means to incorrectly identify or perceive something, in this case, referring to the confusion between moths and butterflies.
Wrong options:
- misplaced: 'Misplaced' refers to something being in the wrong location, which does not apply to the context of identifying species.
- misled: 'Misled' implies being led to a wrong conclusion, which is not the direct action described here; it does not fit the grammatical structure as well as 'mistaken.'
- misunderstood: 'Misunderstood' suggests a failure to comprehend correctly, which is not the precise action of identifying something incorrectly.
Correct answer: liable
Explanation: The word 'liable' fits grammatically as it indicates a tendency or likelihood for variations to occur among butterfly species. It is contextually appropriate as it describes the nature of variations within a species.
Meaning: 'Liable' means likely to experience or be affected by something, in this case, variations in tint or markings.
Wrong options:
- bound: 'Bound' suggests being tied or restricted, which does not convey the likelihood of variation as intended in this context.
- probable: 'Probable' indicates a high likelihood but does not fit grammatically in this structure, as it does not convey the same sense of tendency as 'liable.'
- susceptible: 'Susceptible' implies being vulnerable to something, which does not accurately reflect the nature of variations among butterflies.
Correct answer: slight
Explanation: The word 'slight' fits grammatically as it describes the degree of variation, indicating that it is minimal. It aligns contextually with the sentence, which discusses how variations can be hard to notice.
Meaning: 'Slight' means small in degree or amount, referring to variations that are not easily observed.
Wrong options:
- invisible: 'Invisible' means unable to be seen, which does not accurately describe the nature of slight variations that can still be perceived.
- marginal: 'Marginal' suggests something that is on the edge or not significant, which does not convey the same subtlety as 'slight.'
- unimportant: 'Unimportant' implies a lack of significance, which does not accurately reflect the nature of variations that can still be noticeable.
Correct answer: blends
Explanation: The word 'blends' fits grammatically as it describes the action of the butterfly's coloring matching its habitat. It is contextually appropriate as it indicates how the coloring integrates with the environment.
Meaning: 'Blends' means to mix or combine smoothly, referring to how the butterfly's coloring harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
Wrong options:
- colors: 'Colors' is a noun and does not fit grammatically in this context, as the sentence requires a verb to describe the action of matching.
- shades: 'Shades' is also a noun and does not convey the action needed in this sentence, making it unsuitable.
- moves: 'Moves' implies physical motion, which does not relate to the context of coloring matching with the habitat.
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