Choose the correct one-word substitution for:
A four-footed animal.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Quadruped
Explanation
The choice of "Quadruped" for a four-footed animal is based on clear linguistic roots.
The prefix "Quad-" comes from Latin and means four, while the root word "ped" means foot. When these two parts are joined together, they create a word that literally translates to a four-footed creature. Common examples of quadrupeds include animals like dogs, cats, and horses.
The other options do not fit this definition because they focus on either a different number of feet or specific dietary habits.
The word "Biped" uses the prefix "Bi-", which means two, describing a two-footed creature like a human. The terms "Carnivore" and "Herbivore" describe what an animal eats rather than its anatomy. A carnivore is a meat-eater, and a herbivore is a plant-eater.
Because "Quadruped" is the only term defined by having four feet, it is the correct one-word substitution.
Key Points
Learning numerical prefixes is an excellent way to master one-word substitutions for competitive exams.
The prefix "Uni-" or "Mono-" represents one, as seen in words like unicorn or monologue. The prefix "Bi-" represents two, as seen in biped. The prefix "Tri-" represents three, as seen in tripod. The prefix "Quad-" represents four, as seen in quadruped. Finally, the prefix "Cent-" represents one hundred, which is the root for a creature like a centipede.