Meaning: 'Orbited' means to move around a central point, in this case, the sun.

Wrong options:

• evolved: 'Evolved' is the past tense of 'evolve,' which refers to development over time, not the action of moving around the sun.
• specified: 'Specified' is the past tense of 'specify,' meaning to state clearly, which does not relate to the action of planets in this context.
• observed: 'Observed' is the past tense of 'observe,' meaning to watch or notice, which does not fit the context of planetary movement.
• followed: 'Followed' is the past tense of 'follow,' which implies a sequence or path but does not describe the action of planets around the sun.

Correct answer: evolved

Explanation: The term 'evolved' is the past tense of 'evolve,' indicating the process of development that Earth underwent to support life. This fits grammatically and contextually as it describes Earth's unique progression.

Meaning: 'Evolved' means to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.

Wrong options:

• flourish: 'Flourish' is a verb that means to thrive or grow well, which does not describe the developmental process of Earth.
• serve: 'Serve' means to perform duties or functions, which does not fit the context of Earth's development.
• specified: 'Specified' refers to stating something clearly, which does not relate to the process of evolution.
• observed: 'Observed' means to watch or notice, which does not apply to the developmental changes of Earth.

Correct answer: flourish

Explanation: The word 'flourish' is a verb that means to thrive or grow in a healthy way. It fits grammatically as it describes the outcome of Earth's evolution in supporting life.

Meaning: 'Flourish' means to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way.

Wrong options:

• evolved: 'Evolved' refers to the process of development, not the thriving of life, making it contextually incorrect here.
• serve: 'Serve' implies performing a function, which does not relate to the growth of life forms.
• specified: 'Specified' means to state clearly, which does not fit the context of life thriving.
• followed: 'Followed' means to come after something, which does not apply to the context of life flourishing.

Correct answer: followed

Explanation: The term 'followed' is the past tense of 'follow,' indicating that Mars took a different developmental path compared to Earth. This fits grammatically and logically within the context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Followed' means to come after or to pursue a different course.

Wrong options:

• evolved: 'Evolved' refers to the process of development, which does not fit the context of Mars' path in relation to Earth.
• flourish: 'Flourish' means to thrive, which does not describe the path taken by Mars.
• specified: 'Specified' means to state clearly, which does not relate to the developmental path of a planet.
• observed: 'Observed' means to watch or notice, which does not apply to the context of Mars' trajectory.