Choose the most appropriate antonym for 'prolific' in biological reproduction:
'Unlike the prolific invasive rodent populations, the indigenous highland marsupials are remarkably ________ in their reproductive output.'
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. unproductive
Answer: unproductive. Why not the others: 'fecund', 'fertile', and 'luxuriant' are all synonyms of 'prolific', meaning capable of producing abundant offspring or growth.
- Step 1: Define 'prolific': producing much fruit, foliage, or many offspring; highly productive.
- Step 2: The contrastive marker 'Unlike' establishes that the indigenous marsupials have low reproductive output. The antonym is 'unproductive' (or 'barren').
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