To a traveler flying over the Arctic tundra in winter, the landscape may appear empty and lifeless; however, a closer inspection on the ground reveals a _______ ecosystem, alive with migrating caribou, arctic foxes, and resilient mosses.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
barren
vibrant
dormant
fragile
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text contrasts "empty" with "alive with caribou." "Vibrant" means full of energy and life.
Choice A is incorrect because "barren" means lifeless. Choice C is incorrect because "dormant" means sleeping. Choice D is incorrect because while tundra can be fragile, the context of "alive with" demands a word emphasizing activity, like vibrant.