Despite Zika’s range over almost 70 years, there is little genetic difference among the various strains, according to an analysis by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. For example, the strain currently in the Americas and another previously detected in French Polynesia are practically from each other (group in white box). If the virus has changed so little over time, why is it rearing its ugly head now? Scientists are not sure yet, but new experimental work in mosquitoes suggests that the virus was capable of detrimental health effects and outbreaks all along. Therefore, it is unlikely mutations enabled new abilities. Instead public health officials probably did not understand Zika’s potential because the virus mostly in remote locations until recently.
Result:
AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct answer: transmitted
Explanation: The word 'transmitted' fits grammatically as it is a verb that describes the action of the virus being spread. It aligns with the context of how Zika is spread, which is through mosquito bites, blood transfusions, or sexual contact. The sentence structure requires a verb in the past participle form to indicate the action of the virus being passed on.
Meaning: 'Transmitted' means to pass something from one person or place to another, in this case, referring to how the Zika virus spreads.
Wrong options:
- linked: While 'linked' suggests a connection, it does not convey the action of spreading, making it contextually inappropriate here.
- fused: 'Fused' implies a joining together, which does not apply to the context of virus transmission.
- picked: 'Picked' is not relevant in this context as it suggests selection rather than the act of spreading a virus.
Correct answer: vast
Explanation: The word 'vast' is an adjective that describes a large extent or range, which is appropriate in this context as it refers to the extensive range of Zika over the years. The sentence structure requires an adjective to modify 'range', and 'vast' fits perfectly.
Meaning: 'Vast' means very large in area, size, or amount, indicating that Zika has had a wide geographical and temporal presence.
Wrong options:
- some: 'Some' implies an indefinite quantity, which does not convey the significant extent of Zika's range.
- beautiful: 'Beautiful' is unrelated to the context of range and does not fit as a descriptor for the extent of Zika.
- limited: 'Limited' contradicts the intended meaning of a large range, making it contextually incorrect.
Correct answer: indistinguishable
Explanation: The word 'indistinguishable' is an adjective that means unable to be identified as different. It fits grammatically as it describes the relationship between the two strains of the virus, indicating that they are so similar that they cannot be distinguished from one another.
Meaning: 'Indistinguishable' means that two or more things are so alike that they cannot be told apart, which is relevant to the strains of the virus being compared.
Wrong options:
- related: 'Related' suggests a connection but does not imply similarity to the extent of being indistinguishable.
- complicated: 'Complicated' implies difficulty or complexity, which does not apply to the similarity of the strains.
- characterization: 'Characterization' is a noun that does not fit grammatically or contextually as it does not describe the relationship between the strains.
Correct answer: causing
Explanation: The word 'causing' is a verb that indicates the action of bringing about an effect. It fits grammatically as it describes the potential impact of the virus, aligning with the context of health effects and outbreaks. The sentence structure requires a gerund to indicate the action of the virus.
Meaning: 'Causing' means to make something happen, particularly in terms of negative health effects in this context.
Wrong options:
- favoring: 'Favoring' implies support or preference, which does not align with the context of negative health effects.
- promising: 'Promising' suggests potential for positive outcomes, which contradicts the context of detrimental health effects.
- supporting: 'Supporting' implies assistance or reinforcement, which does not fit the context of causing health issues.
Correct answer: circulated
Explanation: The word 'circulated' is a verb that describes the action of moving around or spreading within a certain area. It fits grammatically as it indicates the past action of the virus being present in remote locations. The sentence structure requires a verb in the past tense to describe the historical context of the virus's presence.
Meaning: 'Circulated' means to move or spread throughout an area, indicating how the virus was present in remote locations.
Wrong options:
- liked: 'Liked' implies a preference, which is irrelevant in the context of virus behavior.
- brought: 'Brought' suggests an action of carrying something to a place, which does not fit the context of the virus's presence.
- preferred: 'Preferred' indicates a choice or favoring, which does not apply to the context of how the virus was present.
The rest of this explanation is for members. Sign in free to read why the other options are wrong, key words and tips.
Sign in to read the full explanation