Question

example 2
words in context
some researchers believe that the genes that enable groundhogs and certain other mammals to hibernate through the winter by slowing their breathing and heart rates and lowering their body temperature may be ______ in humans: present yet having essentially no effect on our bodily processes.

which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

choose 1 answer:
a decisive
b lacking
c variable
d dormant

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Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the context. The text says the genes are "present yet having essentially no effect" in humans. Let's examine each option:

• Option A: "decisive" means having a decisive effect, which contradicts "no effect", so eliminate.
• Option B: "lacking" means not present, but the text says the genes are present, so eliminate.
• Option C: "variable" means changing, which doesn't relate to being present but inactive, so eliminate.
• Option D: "dormant" means inactive or latent, which fits the description of genes being present but having no effect (like dormant genes that are there but not active).

Answer:

D. dormant