Question

select the correct answer.
read the excerpt from paragraph 3.
stan krugman collected the seeds and an attempt at germinating some of the seeds was made in houston. somewhat surprisingly, it proved successful and the seeds started growing, but they did not survive long because the facilities there were inadequate. a year later the remaining seeds were sent to the southern forest service station in gulfport, mississippi (sycamore, loblolly pine, and sweetgum) and to the western station in placerville, california (redwood and douglas fir) to attempt germination. many of the seeds, and later cuttings, were successful and grew into viable seedlings.
what is the meaning of viable as it is used in the excerpt?
a. complete
b. awful
c. suitable
d. weak

Explanation:

The context shows that after previous attempts (some seeds didn't survive due to inadequate facilities), when seeds were sent to new stations, many were successful. "Viable" in this context should mean that the seedlings are in a state where they can continue to live and develop, which is closest to "suitable" (in the sense of being able to thrive). "Complete" doesn't fit the context of plant growth; "awful" and "weak" are opposite in meaning to what the text implies (since the seeds were successful).

Answer:

C. suitable