Fill in the blanks in the given sentences so as to make sense. Though the wild…

In sentence-completion items, connectors such as 'though' or 'but' signal a CONTRAST between the two clauses; the missing word must carry a sense that opposes or complicates the sense of the main clause, not merely relate to the topic.

Here 'though' sets up a contrast between the state of the real habitat and the fact that a substitute can still be made. The sentence makes sense only if the blank describes the real habitat as being lost or disappearing altogether; that total loss is exactly why creating a counterfeit becomes worthwhile: Though the wild habitat is vanishing, it's at least possible to create a counterfeit one.

Contrast with the other options:

• decaying: describes gradual deterioration while the original still exists, so it does not create as sharp a contrast with 'still possible to create a counterfeit'.

• demolishing: implies deliberate destruction by an agent, but the sentence names no agent responsible for the habitat's loss.

• abounding: means plentiful; if the habitat were abundant there would be no need for a counterfeit at all, which undercuts rather than supports the sentence's contrast.