OE


Even if you don't know what vestigial means, you should be able to figure out that the missing word must mean something like useless or unnecessary, because it is meant to contrast with the word valuable. Apocryphal means either false or of doubtful authorship or authenticity. It is mainly used to describe stories, and in any case, vestigial organs or behaviors aren't false - just unnecessary. Exiguous means scanty, meager, or small; given that there is no indication in the passage that vestigial organs or reflexes have dwindled or weakened in any way, it is probably not the best choice. The correct answer is superfluous (excessive or unnecessary).

To fill in the second blank, think about why appearing larger might help an animal faced with a predator - perhaps it makes the animal look more threatening. It is not clear why bristling fur would make an animal appear more obsequious (fawning or deferential), and even if it did, this would probably not help ward off a predator. Impassive is a slightly better choice - an animal that appears unmoved or calm in the face of a predator might make that predator think twice about its chances - but what does this have to do with looking larger? The best answer is formidable (causing fear or of discouraging strength or size).