Question

complete the text with the correct pair of words. the durian, an asian fruit, is notorious for its powerful stench. in 2012, scientists determined that fifty ____ compounds within the fruit, rather ____ any single substance, are responsible for its unique odor. discreet... then discrete... then discreet... than discrete... than

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first blank: The word should describe "compounds" (separate, distinct). "Discrete" means distinct or separate, while "discreet" means careful or prudent. So "discrete" fits the first blank.
2. Analyze the second blank: The phrase "rather than" is a fixed collocation meaning "instead of". So "than" is correct for the second blank.

Answer:

discrete... than