Question

australia is not the first location for herds of wild - roaming feral camels. however, australia has the largest population of wild camels in the world. imported during the 19th century from arabia, india and afghanistan, camels were used to help with transportation, construction and shipping needs. unfortunately, once automobiles and large trucks became widely used, people no longer needed camels. they released the camels into the desert where the camels learned to provide for their own needs.
in 2013, the wild camel population roaming the australian outback was estimated at 150,000. because camels have no natural predators, they have the ability to double their numbers in only nine years. such a fast - growing population puts more stress on natural resources. camels, like all organisms, must have basic needs for survival, so they seek food, shelter, and water. because these environments did not develop to support large mammals like camels, their continued presence in australia produces devastating effects.
which word is closest in meaning to devastating as it is used in paragraph 2?

1. damaging
2. depressing
3. disappointing
4. disgusting

Explanation:

"Devastating" means highly destructive or causing great damage. "Damaging" has a similar meaning, referring to something that causes harm or injury. "Depressing" relates to causing sadness or low - mood, "disappointing" is about failing to meet expectations, and "disgusting" is about causing revulsion.

Answer:

1. Damaging