Biologist Jane Edgeloe and colleagues have located what is believed to be the largest individual plant in the world in the
Shark Bay area of Australia. The plant is a type of seagrass called Posidonia australis, and it ______ approximately 200 square
kilometers.
acknowledges
produces
spans
advances
Choice C is the best answer. “Spans” means “extends over a distance of” or “encompasses.” Since we’re talking about the
world’s largest plant, it makes sense to say that it “spans” about 200 square kilometers.
Choice A is incorrect. “Acknowledges” means “recognizes” or “admits the truth of.” Either way, it doesn’t make sense here: a
plant can’t “acknowledge” a distance. Choice B is incorrect. “Produces” can mean “makes,” “causes,” or “presents.” But none
of those deﬁnitions make sense here: a plant can’t make, cause, or present a distance. Choice D is incorrect. This doesn’t ﬁt
the logic of the text. “Advances” means “moves forward” or “progresses.” But the plant isn’t necessarily moving forward.
Rather, the text suggests that it already covers a distance of 200 square kilometers.