A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: applied

Explanation: The word 'applied' fits grammatically as it is the past participle form of the verb 'apply,' which is used here to indicate how the term 'pigeon' is used in context. It aligns with the structure of the sentence, which discusses the classification of birds.

Meaning: 'Applied' means to be used or designated in a particular way, in this case, referring to how the term pigeon is used for larger species.

Wrong options:

• descends: The word 'descends' is a verb that indicates movement downwards, which does not fit the context of how terms are used.
• distinction: 'Distinction' is a noun that refers to a difference or contrast, which does not fit grammatically as it does not describe how a term is used.
• evidence: 'Evidence' is a noun that refers to proof or indication, which does not relate to the application of terms in this context.
• delivered: 'Delivered' is the past participle of 'deliver,' which does not fit as it does not relate to the usage of terms.
• selects: 'Selects' is a verb that means to choose, which does not fit the context of how terms are applied.

Correct answer: distinction

Explanation: The word 'distinction' is a noun that refers to a difference or contrast between two things. It fits grammatically as it serves as the object of the preposition 'no,' indicating that there is no difference between the groups being discussed.

Meaning: 'Distinction' means a difference or contrast between similar things, in this case, between pigeons and doves.

Wrong options:

• descends: 'Descends' is a verb that indicates movement downwards, which does not fit as it does not relate to differences or classifications.
• applied: 'Applied' is a verb that does not fit here as it does not refer to a difference or classification.
• evidence: 'Evidence' is a noun that refers to proof, which does not relate to the concept of difference or classification in this context.
• delivered: 'Delivered' is a verb that means to bring or hand over, which does not fit the context of discussing differences.
• selects: 'Selects' is a verb that means to choose, which does not relate to the concept of distinction.

Correct answer: descends

Explanation: The word 'descends' is a verb that indicates the action of coming down from a source. It fits grammatically as it describes the relationship between the ubiquitous pigeon and its ancestral bird, the rock dove.

Meaning: 'Descends' means to come down from or to originate from, indicating the lineage of the pigeon.

Wrong options:

• applied: 'Applied' is a verb that does not fit here as it does not describe the relationship of lineage or origin.
• distinction: 'Distinction' is a noun that refers to a difference, which does not fit the context of describing lineage.
• evidence: 'Evidence' is a noun that refers to proof, which does not relate to the action of originating or coming down from a source.
• delivered: 'Delivered' is a verb that means to bring or hand over, which does not fit the context of lineage or descent.
• selects: 'Selects' is a verb that means to choose, which does not relate to the concept of descent or origin.