Choose the appropriate word/phrase, out of the options given below, to complete the following sentence: Apparent lifelessness _________ dormant life. A. harbours B. leads to C. supports D. affects

GATE 2015 · General Aptitude · Sentence Completion / Vocabulary · easy

Answer: A. harbours

1. Analyse the semantic relationship: The sentence implies a contrast: something looks lifeless but actually contains life. The verb must bridge this contrast by expressing concealment or containment. 'Harbours' (A) perfectly conveys 'contains within itself, albeit hidden'. 'Leads to' (B) suggests causality — lifelessness causing dormant life, which is illogical. 'Supports' (C) implies active sustenance. 'Affects' (D) is too vague and neutral.
2. Confirm by substitution: Substituting: 'Apparent lifelessness harbours dormant life.' This reads naturally — a lifeless-looking environment is actually hosting dormant organisms. The other options produce awkward or incorrect meanings.