Nightjar - Marvel Education

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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #6320 Nightjar

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* Select the correct answer into all dropdown fields. You need to answer all questions before clicking verify button.

When you spend your days nesting on the ground and weigh less than 100 grams, self-preservation depends on mastering the art of disguise. The nightjar’s soft plumage and variegated colouring help it in with its surrounds, but it is the bird’s own judgement in choosing the most sympathetic background that it a camouflage champion. Each bird chooses where to nest on its specific patterns and colours, says camouflage researcher Martin Stevens, of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter in Cornwall. “Each individual bird looks a little bit different,” he says. “This is not a species-level choice. Individual birds consistently sit in places that enhance their own unique markings, within a habitat and at a fine scale with regards to specific background sites.”

Result:

A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: blend
Explanation: The word 'blend' fits grammatically as it is a verb that indicates the action of mixing in harmoniously with the surroundings. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of the nightjar's plumage and colouring helping it to merge seamlessly into its environment, which is the intended meaning of the sentence.
Meaning: 'Blend' means to mix or combine smoothly with something else, in this case, the nightjar's appearance with its surroundings.
Wrong options:
sneak: The word 'sneak' implies moving stealthily, which does not directly relate to the visual aspect of camouflage and does not fit grammatically as a synonym for blending in.
hide: While 'hide' suggests concealment, it does not convey the idea of merging visually with the environment as effectively as 'blend' does.
scream: The word 'scream' is unrelated to the context of camouflage and does not fit grammatically or contextually, as it implies a loud noise rather than a visual characteristic.
Correct answer: makes
Explanation: The verb 'makes' is appropriate here as it indicates the action of creating or establishing something, which in this case refers to the bird's judgement leading to its camouflage success. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes the result of the bird's decision-making process.
Meaning: 'Makes' means to cause something to exist or happen, indicating that the bird's choice results in effective camouflage.
Wrong options:
rates: The word 'rates' implies evaluating or assessing, which does not fit the context of creating camouflage and is grammatically incorrect in this sentence structure.
wants: 'Wants' suggests a desire, which does not convey the action of producing or establishing something, making it contextually inappropriate here.
awards: The term 'awards' refers to giving recognition or prizes, which is irrelevant in this context and does not fit grammatically.
Correct answer: based
Explanation: The word 'based' is correctly used here as it indicates the foundation or criteria upon which the birds choose their nesting locations. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it relates to the specific patterns and colours that influence their decisions.
Meaning: 'Based' means to use something as a foundation or starting point for a decision or action, in this case, the birds' choice of nesting sites.
Wrong options:
according: The word 'according' is typically used to indicate agreement or reference, which does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence structure.
for: 'For' does not convey the idea of foundation or criteria and is grammatically incorrect in this context, as it lacks the necessary structure to indicate basis.
raised: The term 'raised' implies lifting or elevating, which is unrelated to the context of choosing nesting sites based on patterns and colours.
Correct answer: both
Explanation: The word 'both' is suitable here as it indicates that the birds enhance their markings in two specific ways: within a habitat and at a fine scale. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it emphasizes the dual aspects of their camouflage strategy.
Meaning: 'Both' refers to two items or aspects being considered together, highlighting that the birds' choices affect their camouflage in multiple dimensions.
Wrong options:
seldom: The word 'seldom' means rarely, which does not fit the context of enhancing markings and is grammatically incorrect as it does not relate to the duality expressed in the sentence.
seldomly: Similar to 'seldom', 'seldomly' is not a standard adverb and does not fit the context or grammatical structure of the sentence.
crisis: The term 'crisis' refers to a critical situation, which is irrelevant in this context and does not fit grammatically or logically.

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