Question

of those, squirrels appeared to have a positive impact on seven bird species, a correlation probably caused by both mammal and bird species benefiting from similar changes to their habitat. source: bbc in the sentence above, benefiting has the same or almost the same meaning as: coupling gaining requiring deserting

Explanation:

"Benefiting" means receiving an advantage or profit. "Gaining" also implies obtaining something positive or advantageous. "Coupling" refers to joining or connecting, "requiring" is about needing, and "deserting" is about abandoning. So "gaining" is closest in meaning to "benefiting".

Answer:

B. gaining