Cuttlefish appear to be surprisingly ______ blank at exercising self-control: in a 2021 study conducted by behavioral ecologist Alexandra Schnell,

Question

Cuttlefish appear to be surprisingly ______ blank at exercising self-control: in a 2021 study conducted by behavioral ecologist Alexandra Schnell, these cephalopods routinely demonstrated restraint by delaying gratifiion, waiting for a favorite treat instead of instantly devouring a readily available meal. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

Accepted Answer

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text&rsquo;s discussion of self-control in cuttlefish. In this context, "competent" means capable. The text describes a study in which cuttlefish demonstrated an ability to exercise restraint by waiting for a favorite treat instead of eating a meal that was already available to them. That is, by delaying gratifiion, the cuttlefish in the study demonstrated that they were capable of, or competent at, exercising self-control. Choice A is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that in demonstrating self-control, cuttlefish are "awkward," or lacking skill or grace. If anything, the text indies that cuttlefish appear to be surprisingly skilled at exercising self-control. Choice B is incorrect because in this context, "imaginative" would mean creative, and there&rsquo;s nothing in the text to suggest that cuttlefish demonstrate creativity. Instead, the text focuses on the fact that cuttlefish seem to be capable of exercising restraint and self-control. Choice C is incorrect because in this context, "manageable" would mean capable of being controlled. Although the text indies that the cuttlefish in the study demonstrated restraint by waiting for a favorite treat instead of devouring a readily available meal (which suggests their ability to control themselves), it doesn&rsquo;t suggest that cuttlefish are thus also able to be managed or controlled by others.

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