A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: estimated

Explanation: The word 'estimated' functions as an adjective that describes the approximate percentage of the world's population that consumes edible insects. It fits grammatically as it modifies the noun 'per cent' and aligns with the context of discussing population statistics.

Meaning: 'Estimated' means calculated or approximated based on available data.

Wrong options:

• served up: 'Served up' is a phrasal verb that implies the action of presenting food, which does not fit as it does not describe a percentage.
• appropriate: 'Appropriate' is an adjective that means suitable or proper, which does not relate to the statistical context of the sentence.
• delicacy: 'Delicacy' is a noun that refers to a rare or luxurious food item, which does not fit as it does not describe a percentage of the population.
• approved: 'Approved' is a past participle that indicates something has been officially accepted, which does not fit the context of estimating a population percentage.
• consumed: 'Consumed' is a past participle that refers to the act of eating, which does not fit as it does not describe a percentage.

Correct answer: served up

Explanation: The phrase 'served up' is a phrasal verb that indicates the action of presenting or offering food, which fits contextually as it describes how insects are made available for consumption around the world.

Meaning: 'Served up' means to present food for eating.

Wrong options:

• estimated: 'Estimated' is an adjective that describes an approximation, which does not fit as it does not indicate an action related to food.
• appropriate: 'Appropriate' is an adjective that means suitable, which does not convey the action of presenting food.
• delicacy: 'Delicacy' is a noun that refers to a luxurious food item, which does not fit as it does not indicate an action.
• approved: 'Approved' is a past participle that indicates acceptance, which does not fit the context of serving food.
• consumed: 'Consumed' is a past participle that refers to the act of eating, which does not fit as it does not indicate the action of serving.

Correct answer: delicacy

Explanation: The term 'delicacy' is a noun that refers to a food item that is considered rare or luxurious, which fits contextually as it describes the status of 'kungu cakes' in parts of Africa.

Meaning: 'Delicacy' refers to a special or luxurious food item that is often rare or highly regarded.

Wrong options:

• served up: 'Served up' is a phrasal verb that indicates the action of presenting food, which does not fit as it does not describe the status of the food item.
• appropriate: 'Appropriate' is an adjective that means suitable, which does not convey the idea of a special food item.
• estimated: 'Estimated' is an adjective that describes an approximation, which does not fit as it does not describe a food item.
• approved: 'Approved' is a past participle that indicates acceptance, which does not fit the context of describing a food item.
• consumed: 'Consumed' is a past participle that refers to the act of eating, which does not fit as it does not describe the status of the food.

Correct answer: consumed

Explanation: The word 'consumed' is a past participle that indicates the act of eating or using up food, which fits contextually as it describes how insects are eaten in Mexico.

Meaning: 'Consumed' means to eat or use up something.

Wrong options:

• served up: 'Served up' is a phrasal verb that indicates the action of presenting food, which does not fit as it does not describe the act of eating.
• appropriate: 'Appropriate' is an adjective that means suitable, which does not convey the action of eating insects.
• delicacy: 'Delicacy' is a noun that refers to a luxurious food item, which does not fit as it does not indicate the act of eating.
• approved: 'Approved' is a past participle that indicates acceptance, which does not fit the context of describing the act of eating insects.
• estimated: 'Estimated' is an adjective that describes an approximation, which does not fit as it does not describe the act of eating.