OE


definitively, sieve, and assaying

The second blank is an easy place to start, and refers to what baleen does with prey and seawater. The clue for the second blank is filtering structure, so use “filter” as a word for the second blank. Choices (E) and (F) can be eliminated, because they do not match “filter.” The correct answer for the second blank is (D), sieve. Now look at the first blank, which refers to a relationship scientists do not have to the date when whales evolved to feed using baleen. The clue for the first blank is does not conclusively prove age, so recycle “conclusively” as a word for the first blank. Choice (A), which means relevantly, and (C), which means convincingly, can be eliminated because they do not match “conclusively.” The correct answer for the first blank is (B), definitively. Now look at the third blank, which refers to an action some researchers have taken toward skull modifications and formations. The clue for the second blank is attempted to date, so use “examining” as a word for the third blank. Choices (G) and (I) can be eliminated, because they do not match “examining.” The correct answer for the third blank is (H), assaying. The correct answer is (B), (D), and (H).