Question

the other rain forests
when people hear the term rain forest, they think of extremely dense foliage, monkeys howling, and parrots shrieking, all in a steamy, exotic, tropical setting. but there is an entirely different kind of rain forest that is completely devoid of the plants and animals of the tropics. it is known as a temperate rain forest. temperate rain forests are found both north and south of the tropics, in places with mild (temperate) climates. most are coastal, are near or on mountains, and are very wet and rainy.
the longest unbroken stretch of temperate rain forest is located along the west coasts of canada and the united states, stretching from alaska south to oregon. this habitat is as complex and varied as its tropical counterparts. it supports myriad plant and animal species. some of the oldest, largest trees in the world grow in it.
temperate rain forests have been drastically reduced in size because of the worldwide demand for wood. environmentalists and the logging industry vie for influence on the policies that will determine the fate of the forests. environmentalists have used the endangered species act to prevent or limit logging. the spotted owl became a symbol of these efforts. this small bird requires large areas of old - growth forest, in which trees grow to prodigious heights. spotted owls nest in old - growth forests. without such trees, the spotted owl has no place to nest. loggers, however, argue that jobs and even entire communities will be lost if logging is limited.
in the coming years, it will be up to the parties directly involved and to american and canadian voters to consider the various arguments relevant to this debate. like other rain forests all over the world, north americas temperate rain forests face an uncertain future.

1. the meaning of devoid of (line 3) is

a. filled with
c. lacking in
b. hidden from
d. suitable for

1. myriad (line 13) most nearly means

a. countless
c. colorful
b. unusual
d. sparse

1. vie (line 18) is best defined as

a. wait
c. pay
b. settle
d. compete

1. the meaning of prodigious (line 24) is

a. average
c. uniform
b. puny
d. gigantic

1. relevant (line 28) most nearly means

a. interesting
c. unconnected
b. pertinent
d. hostile

Explanation:

1. "Devoid of" means lacking in. For example, "a room devoid of furniture" means a room lacking furniture.
2. "Myriad" means countless. It implies a very large number, like "myriad stars in the sky".
3. "Vie" means to compete. In the context, environmentalists and the logging industry compete for influence.
4. "Prodigious" means gigantic. It is used to describe something of great size, like "prodigious heights of trees".
5. "Relevant" means pertinent. It refers to something that is related and applicable to a particular matter.

Answer:

1. c. lacking in
2. a. countless
3. (No correct options provided in the original for 'vie', but it means compete. If we assume there was an option like 'compete' it would be that).
4. d. gigantic
5. b. pertinent