Meaning: 'With' is used to indicate association or accompaniment, in this case, communication occurring alongside animals.

Wrong options:

• when: 'When' is an adverb that refers to time, which does not fit the context of indicating a relationship with animals.
• only: 'Only' is an adverb that limits the scope, which does not appropriately convey the inclusion of animals in communication.
• and: 'And' is a conjunction that connects phrases but does not indicate the relationship needed here.
• than: 'Than' is a conjunction used for comparisons, which does not fit the context of communication with animals.
• around: 'Around' is a preposition indicating location or proximity, which does not relate to the context of communication with animals.
• also: 'Also' is an adverb that adds information but does not indicate a relationship with animals.

Correct answer: than

Explanation: The word 'than' is a conjunction used for making comparisons. In this context, it compares the ease of communication now with how it was in the past, fitting grammatically and contextually.

Meaning: 'Than' is used to introduce the second element in a comparison, indicating a contrast between two states of communication.

Wrong options:

• when: 'When' is an adverb that refers to time, which does not fit the comparative context of communication ease.
• only: 'Only' is an adverb that limits the scope, which does not appropriately convey the comparison being made.
• and: 'And' is a conjunction that connects phrases but does not serve the comparative function needed here.
• with: 'With' is a preposition that indicates association, which does not fit the comparative context of this sentence.
• around: 'Around' is a preposition indicating location or proximity, which does not relate to the comparative context.
• also: 'Also' is an adverb that adds information but does not serve the comparative function.

Correct answer: around

Explanation: The word 'around' is a preposition that indicates location or proximity. It fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the global aspect of communication with people.

Meaning: 'Around' refers to being in various locations or areas, in this case, indicating communication with people worldwide.

Wrong options:

• when: 'When' is an adverb that refers to time, which does not fit the locational context of communication.
• only: 'Only' is an adverb that limits the scope, which does not appropriately convey the global aspect of communication.
• and: 'And' is a conjunction that connects phrases but does not indicate location or proximity.
• than: 'Than' is a conjunction used for comparisons, which does not fit the locational context of this sentence.
• with: 'With' is a preposition indicating association, which does not convey the global aspect of communication.
• also: 'Also' is an adverb that adds information but does not indicate location.

Correct answer: also

Explanation: The word 'also' is an adverb that adds information, indicating that using a telephone was not only a technological innovation but additionally a convenient tool. It fits grammatically and contextually as it enhances the description of the telephone's role.

Meaning: 'Also' is used to indicate that something is in addition to what has already been mentioned.

Wrong options:

• when: 'When' is an adverb that refers to time, which does not fit the context of adding information about the telephone.
• only: 'Only' is an adverb that limits the scope, which does not appropriately convey the additional information about the telephone.
• and: 'And' is a conjunction that connects phrases but does not serve the purpose of adding information as effectively as 'also.'
• than: 'Than' is a conjunction used for comparisons, which does not fit the context of adding information about the telephone.
• with: 'With' is a preposition indicating association, which does not convey the additional information needed here.
• around: 'Around' is a preposition indicating location or proximity, which does not relate to the context of adding information.