A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: swelled

Explanation: The word 'swelled' is the past tense of 'swell,' which means to increase in size or amount. In this context, it fits grammatically as it describes the increase in the human population over a specific period, aligning with the past tense used in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Swelled' means to have increased in size or number, particularly referring to the growth of the population.

Wrong options:

• produced: 'Produced' implies creation or manufacture, which does not fit the context of population growth.
• diminishing: 'Diminishing' means decreasing, which contradicts the idea of population growth and is therefore incorrect.
• extracted: 'Extracted' refers to removing something, which is not relevant to the context of population increase.

Correct answer: evolved

Explanation: The term 'evolved' is the past tense of 'evolve,' which means to develop gradually. It fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the long process of human development over thousands of years, aligning with the historical context provided.

Meaning: 'Evolved' means to have developed or changed gradually over time, particularly in a biological sense.

Wrong options:

• produced: 'Produced' suggests creation, which does not accurately describe the process of human development.
• diminishing: 'Diminishing' indicates a decrease, which is not applicable to the concept of human evolution.
• extracted: 'Extracted' implies removal, which is irrelevant in the context of human development.

Correct answer: sustainable

Explanation: The word 'sustainable' is an adjective that describes practices that can be maintained over the long term without depleting resources. It fits grammatically and contextually as it emphasizes the need for responsible management of resources in relation to population growth.

Meaning: 'Sustainable' refers to methods or practices that can be continued indefinitely without causing harm to the environment or depleting resources.

Wrong options:

• produced: 'Produced' does not fit as it refers to creation rather than the manner of providing for the population.
• diminishing: 'Diminishing' suggests a reduction, which contradicts the idea of providing adequately for a growing population.
• extracted: 'Extracted' implies removal, which is not relevant to the context of providing for human beings.