Question

what is the meaning of the word cursory as used in the passage? use the antonym careful as a context clue to help you determine the meaning. following a catastrophic oil spill in the gulf of mexico in 2010, hundreds of dead dolphins washed up on the beaches of mississippi, louisiana, and alabama. a cursory inspection of the devastation convinced many residents that it was caused by the spill, but the national oceanic and atmospheric administration waited for a careful analysis of the dolphins remains to be carried out before drawing their conclusions. autopsies finally revealed low adrenal hormone levels, which are associated with oil contamination in mammals. quick or hasty rash or reckless dismayed or horrified

Explanation:

The passage contrasts "a cursory inspection" with "a careful analysis". The antonym of careful helps infer that cursory means quick or not - thorough.

Answer:

quick or hasty