OE


It is important to note that this sentence is discussing the hypothesized age rather than simply the age. This means that the scientists already have a guess, and are merely trying to confirm it. It is for this reason that you can rule out discern, which means to perceive or to recognize. To correlate means to bring into mutual or reciprocal relation; it is hard to see what this could have to do with this sentence, particularly since there is no mention of anything the hypothesized age could be correlated with. Eliminate it. It is unlikely that the scientists would be trying to gainsay - or dispute or contradict - their own hypothesis, so you can eliminate this as well. To palliate means to alleviate or to extenuate and is clearly out of place in this context. The correct answer is substantiate (to establish by proof or evidence).