While we can infer information about climate activity in Earth’s distant past from physical evidence, we of course cannot observe past climates directly. To study early Earth’s climate in action, we must ______ that climate using computer models that represent various climate conditions consistent with the physical evidence.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Explanation
Context: We "cannot observe past climates directly." To study early Earth's climate, "we must [blank] that climate using computer models"—recreate it virtually.
Answer: B) simulate
Why? Recreate virtually = model. Simulate = model, imitate.
Traps:
- A) invent → means create new, different
- C) exaggerate → means overstate, different
- D) preserve → means protect, different