Question

look at the word intact in the passage below. for a thousand years, ancestors of the pueblo people lived amidst the canyons and cliffs of the southwestern united states. at one point, they built elaborate villages into the sides of bluffs, and the deserted structures can still be seen today. many rooms, nooks, and staircases remain intact, allowing archeologists to learn about the society that built them. for example, the dozens of gathering spaces, which contain fire pits, built - in seating, and ceremonial areas, suggest that civic discussions, social activities, and traditions were particularly important to this community. by examining the surviving structures, scientists have been able to piece together information about the lives and values of these ancient people. what is the meaning of intact as used in the passage? preserved or whole forgiven or excused imitated or repeated attractive or appealing

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the deserted structures can still be seen today and that many rooms, nooks, and staircases remain intact, allowing archeologists to learn about the society. This implies that the structures are preserved or whole. The other options do not fit the context. "Forgiven or excused" has no relation to the physical structures. "Imitated or repeated" is not relevant as there is no mention of imitation. "Attractive or appealing" is not the main idea; the focus is on the structures being in a state that allows study, which is about being preserved or whole.

Answer:

preserved or whole