Question

words in context: get ready
ecologist nora underwood and colleagues have examined the chemical defenses of the plant asclepias humistrata. the plant produces toxic compounds called cardenolides, which ______ predators such as caterpillars and grasshoppers from consuming its leaves.
which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
choose 1 answer:
deter
absorb
recover
protect

Explanation:

The plant produces toxic compounds. The goal is to find a word that shows these compounds stop predators from eating the leaves. "Deter" means to discourage or prevent. "Absorb" (take in) doesn't fit. "Recover" (get back) is wrong. "Protect" (keep safe) is not as precise as "deter" in showing the action of stopping predators.

Answer:

A. deter