Meaning: 'Occurring' means happening or taking place.

Wrong options:

• indicating: 'Indicating' is a present participle that suggests showing or pointing out something, which does not fit the context of something happening continuously before birth.
• preference: 'Preference' is a noun that refers to a greater liking for one alternative over another, which does not fit grammatically in this blank.
• comparison: 'Comparison' is a noun that refers to the act of comparing, which does not fit the context of an ongoing action.
• demonstrate: 'Demonstrate' is a verb that means to show or prove something, which does not fit grammatically as it does not indicate an ongoing action.

Correct answer: preference

Explanation: The term 'preference' is a noun that fits grammatically as the subject of the sentence, indicating what newborns show a liking for. It is contextually appropriate as it describes the inclination of newborns towards their mother’s voice.

Meaning: 'Preference' refers to a greater liking for one thing over another.

Wrong options:

• indicating: 'Indicating' is a verb that does not fit as it does not serve as a noun to describe what newborns show.
• occurring: 'Occurring' is a present participle that does not fit as it does not describe a liking or inclination.
• comparison: 'Comparison' is a noun that refers to the act of comparing, which does not fit the context of showing a liking.
• demonstrate: 'Demonstrate' is a verb that means to show or prove something, which does not fit grammatically as it does not describe a preference.

Correct answer: discriminate

Explanation: The word 'discriminate' is a verb that fits grammatically in the sentence, indicating the ability to recognize differences. It is contextually relevant as it describes the capability of newborns to distinguish between their mother’s language and others.

Meaning: 'Discriminate' means to recognize or ascertain the difference between things.

Wrong options:

• demonstrate: 'Demonstrate' is a verb that means to show or prove something, which does not fit the context of recognizing differences.
• indicating: 'Indicating' is a verb that suggests showing or pointing out, which does not fit the context of distinguishing between languages.
• preference: 'Preference' is a noun that refers to a greater liking for one alternative over another, which does not fit grammatically in this blank.
• comparison: 'Comparison' is a noun that refers to the act of comparing, which does not fit the context of recognizing differences.