The deep-sea submersible Nereus descended into the Mariana Trench in 2009. Lead engineer Casey Moore notes that despite encountering extreme hydrostatic pressure that threatened to crush the hull, the vessel successfully _______ sediment samples from the ocean floor to transport back to the surface for analysis.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
attached
retrieved
pursued
displaced
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text describes the submersible's mission to bring samples back to the surface. "Retrieving" means to get or bring (something) back, which precisely matches the action of gathering the sediment.
Choice A is incorrect because "attached" means joined, not gathered for transport. Choice C is incorrect because "pursued" means chased, which isn't the primary action regarding a stationary sediment sample. Choice D is incorrect because "displaced" means moved from its position, but doesn't imply collecting it to bring back.