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Ans (3): Conjure

The sentence tells us to think about an egg and predicts that our imagination would be probably about an ellipse. ‘Conjure’, which means ‘call (an image) to the mind’, fits in the context as we would think of an image in the shape of an ellipse when we think about an egg.

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Ans (4): Exemplified

The sentence tells us that after analysing hundreds of species of birds, the most common shape of an egg was identified by Stoddard. ‘Exemplified’ is the correct word here, as we need a word that illustrates the shape of the egg. Exemplify - Illustrate or clarify by giving an example. ‘Patented’ does not fit as a bird cannot ‘patent’ things. ‘Correct’ does not fit as it is not in the past tense. ‘Revered’ and ‘Satisfied’ do not fit in the context given.

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Ans (2): Debated

The sentence tells us that Stoddard’s data displaced chickens as the theoretical idea of eggs and helped her find the reason behind the shapes of eggs, which was a mystery for scientist for a long time. ‘Debated’ is the suitable word, as the mystery is given to bother scientists for centuries. Abate - (of something unpleasant or severe) become less intense or widespread. Premeditate - Think out or plan (an action, especially a crime) beforehand. Rebate - A partial refund to someone who has paid too much for tax, rent, or a utility. Unabated - Without any reduction in intensity or strength.

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Ans (3): Incubate

The first sentence of the last paragraph gives us one reason why pointy eggs are advantageous. The second sentence tells us another advantage that allows female birds to handle their eggs better. ‘Incubate’, which means ‘sit on (eggs) in order to keep them warm and bring them to hatching’ is the most suitable word among the options to fit in the context. Stagnate - cease developing; become inactive or dull. Enervate - Make (someone) feel drained of energy or vitality. Rummage - Search unsystematically and untidily through something. None of these words can make the sentence meaningful in the given context.

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Ans (4): Prone

The third sentence of the last paragraph lists advantages of spherical eggs. ‘Prone’ is the required word here, as the sentence mentions only advantages, and being less susceptible to breaking is a definite advantage for an egg. Prone - Likely or liable to suffer from, do, or experience something unpleasant or regrettable. Guile - Sly or cunning intelligence. This is a noun and hence cannot make the sentence grammatically correct; we need an adjective here. The other words do not fit in the context. Option (4) is the right answer.