Which of the following options is the closest in meaning to the phrase…

2014

Which of the following options is the closest in meaning to the phrase underlined in the sentence below?

It is fascinating to see life forms cope with varied environmental conditions.

  1. A.

    adopt to

  2. B.

    adapt to

  3. C.

    adept in

  4. D.

    accept with

Attempted by 24 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Answer: adapt to — meaning "adjust to" or "become suited to different conditions."

  • Why this matches the sentence: "cope with" means to manage or adjust to difficult or changing conditions, which is exactly what "adapt to" expresses.

  • Why the other choices are not suitable:

  • adopt to: "adopt" means to take up or start using something, not to adjust to conditions.

  • adept in: means skilled at something, which does not convey the idea of coping or adjusting.

  • accept with: is not idiomatic here and does not express adjusting to environmental conditions.

Example: Many species adapt to harsh climates by changing their behavior or physiology.

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