A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: colonized

Explanation: The word 'colonized' is the past tense of the verb 'colonize,' which fits grammatically as it describes the action taken by the Vikings in 985. It aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses the establishment of settlements in Greenland.

Meaning: 'Colonized' means to establish control over a foreign territory and settle there, particularly in the context of a new land.

Wrong options:

• ancestors: 'Ancestors' refers to previous generations or forebears, which does not fit the action of establishing a settlement.
• defeated: 'Defeated' is the past tense of 'defeat,' which implies winning over an opponent, not relevant to the context of settlement.
• descendants: 'Descendants' refers to future generations, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of the Vikings.
• banished: 'Banished' is the past tense of 'banish,' meaning to expel, which does not fit the context of the Vikings' action in Greenland.
• dispelled: 'Dispelled' means to drive away or eliminate, which does not relate to the act of settling a land.

Correct answer: banished

Explanation: The term 'banished' is the past tense of 'banish,' which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes Erik's expulsion from Iceland for manslaughter. It maintains the narrative flow of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Banished' means to be expelled from a place, often as a punishment.

Wrong options:

• ancestors: 'Ancestors' does not fit as it refers to previous generations, not an action taken against Erik.
• defeated: 'Defeated' implies a victory over someone, which does not relate to Erik's situation of being expelled.
• colonized: 'Colonized' does not fit here as it describes the action of settling, not being expelled from a location.
• descendants: 'Descendants' refers to future generations, which does not apply to Erik's status in Iceland.
• dispelled: 'Dispelled' means to drive away, which does not accurately describe the act of being expelled from a place.

Correct answer: descendants

Explanation: The word 'descendants' refers to the future generations of Erik and his followers, fitting grammatically as it is a plural noun that aligns with the context of the sentence discussing their activities in Greenland.

Meaning: 'Descendants' means the offspring or future generations of a particular ancestor.

Wrong options:

• ancestors: 'Ancestors' refers to previous generations, which does not fit as the sentence discusses Erik's future generations.
• defeated: 'Defeated' does not fit as it describes a victory, not a familial relationship.
• colonized: 'Colonized' is a verb that does not fit as it does not describe a familial relationship.
• banished: 'Banished' is a verb that does not fit as it does not describe a familial relationship.
• dispelled: 'Dispelled' is a verb that does not relate to the context of family lineage.