Question

some researchers believe that the genes that enable groundhogs and certain other mammals to hibernate through the winter by slowing their breathing and heart rates and lowering their body temperature may be ______ in humans: present yet having essentially no effect on our bodily processes.
which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
choose 1 answer:
a decisive
b lacking
c variable
d dormant

Explanation:

The text describes the genes as present in humans but not affecting bodily processes. "Dormant" means inactive but existing, which matches this description. "Decisive" means having great impact, which contradicts the text. "Lacking" means absent, which conflicts with "present". "Variable" means changing, which is not relevant here.

Answer:

D. dormant