Question

1. read the sentence from paragraph 4 in passage 2.

the small, isolated groups of any given species of wildlife are more likely to die out over time or all at once if there is an environmental disturbance or disease without the introduction of different genes from other populations to provide genetic diversity.

the word isolated comes from the latin word insulates, which means \made into an island,\ and contains the latin stem sol, which means \alone.\ which phrase best matches the meaning of isolated as it is used in this sentence?

a. living in a very cold environment
b. separated from other groups of the same species
c. protected from outside dangers
d. living in a place with plenty of food

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "isolated" in the sentence, we analyze the context. The sentence states that these groups are more likely to die out without the introduction of different genes from other populations (for genetic diversity). The Latin origin (insulates - "made into an island", sol - "alone") and the context about needing genes from other populations imply separation from other groups of the same species. Option a is about cold environment (not related), c is about protection (opposite, as they are more likely to die out), d is about food (not related). Only option b matches the idea of being separated from other same - species groups.

Answer:

b. separated from other groups of the same species