Question

ecologist nora underwood and colleagues have examined the chemical defenses of the plant asclepias humistrata. the plant produces toxic compounds called cardenolides, which ______ predators such as caterpillars and grasshoppers from consuming its leaves. which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? choose 1 answer: a deter b absorb c recover d protect

Explanation:

The text is about the plant's chemical defenses. The word "deter" means to prevent or discourage. Since the plant produces toxic compounds to stop predators from eating its leaves, "deter" fits logically. "Absorb" (take in) and "recover" (get back) are not relevant. "Protect" usually has the structure "protect...from" but the subject here is the toxic compounds (which are the means of protection, not the one being protected). So "deter" is the most appropriate.

Answer:

A. deter