Directions: select the answer that best completes the sentence.
The predatory fossa of Madagascar resembles a cat, so scientists were surprised when genetic testing revealed that the animal is actually ________ to the mongoose.
(a) akin
(b) dissimilar
(c) sovereign
(d) subordinate
(e) unrelated
Discussion: Scientists were clearly expecting the fossa to be related to a cat. They would thus be surprised to learn that it is "akin" (related) to a mongoose. Choice (a) is the correct answer.
Vocabulary:
- akin - related by nature
- dissimilar - not alike
- sovereign - supreme; having power
- subordinate - dependent; having lower rank
- unrelated - not akin; lacking a relationship
