Question

great white sharks
previous studies have described great white sharks as largely solitary creatures with few natural predators. recently, adult male great whites off the coast of new zealand have been observed with significant scarring, particularly around the gills and tail. in a 2022 study, marine biologists sought to understand the scarring. early in the study, they hypothesized that the scarring was the result of aggression from other great whites. they also noted that sharks with more scarring were lower in the social hierarchy. ultimately, they concluded that great whites are more social than we once believed, and scarring is proof of a complex social structure.
previous studies have described great white sharks as largely solitary creatures with few natural predators.
based on your knowledge of greek and latin roots, what is the mostly meaning of solitary in context?
a solar power
b living alone
c male centric
d peaceful

Explanation:

The root "sol" in Latin means "alone". "Solitary" combines this root with the suffix "-ary" (which forms adjectives). So "solitary" relates to being alone. Option B "Living alone" aligns with this etymological meaning. Option A ("Solar power") uses the root "sol" (sun) but in a different context. Option C ("Male centric") has no connection to the root "sol" for "alone". Option D ("Peaceful") also has no etymological link to "sol" (alone).

Answer:

B. Living alone