Question

read the passage. then answer the question.
fossils
fossils are the remains of ancient animals, insects, and plants that have been preserved in rock. these ancient living things existed long ago, even before recorded history.
scientists are very careful when they excavate fossils. when they clear away the dirt and remove the fossil, they make sure the fossil is not damaged. the largest fossil ever pulled out of the ground weighed more than 1,000 pounds!
choose two phrases that help you understand the meaning of excavate as used in the passage.
scientists are very careful when they excavate fossils out of the ground. when they clear away the dirt and remove the fossil, they make sure the bones are not damaged. the largest fossil ever pulled out of the ground weighed more than 1,000 pounds!

Explanation:

The word "excavate" means to dig or remove something from the ground. In the passage, the phrases "clear away the dirt" and "remove the fossil" help to understand the meaning of "excavate" as they describe the actions involved in digging up fossils.

Answer:

clear away the dirt, remove the fossil