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If the artifacts discovered in the 1950s on the island of Flores in Indonesia are almost one million years old, as has been suggested, then we must ascribe greater capacities to their makers than most archaeologists are willing to do. This is not because the artifacts themselves possess any precocious level of craftsmanship, but because to get to Flores from Java would have required voyagers to cross 20-kilometer stretches of water. To make such a journey, early humans would have had to construct some kind of water transport. This would not only mean that they had much greater technological capacities than we thought; it would also prove that language existed at that time, for no seagoing voyage is plausible without such a capacity.

In the context in which it appears, 'a capacity' (line 11) most nearly means

Rationale

In the context in which it appears, 'a capacity' most nearly means an ability.

The term 'capacity' in this context refers to the skills or capabilities required for early humans to undertake the significant challenge of constructing water transport and navigating across distances. This implies a level of ability that supports complex actions such as communication and technological innovation.

A (a holding) YOUR ANSWER

This interpretation suggests a physical space or volume, which does not align with the context of skills or capabilities being discussed. The passage focuses on the abilities of early humans, rather than any notion of literal holding or space.

B (a duty) YOUR ANSWER

This choice implies an obligation or responsibility, which is not relevant in the context. The passage discusses the skills necessary for maritime travel, rather than any moral or social obligations associated with such actions.

C (a weight) YOUR ANSWER

Interpreting 'capacity' as weight would misconstrue the intended meaning entirely. Weight refers to the force exerted by gravity on an object, which has no relation to the technological or cognitive skills required for human voyaging.

D (an ability) CORRECT

This is the correct interpretation as it relates to the skills or competencies that early humans would need to possess to engage in complex activities such as constructing watercraft and communicating effectively during voyages.

E (an audience) YOUR ANSWER

This option refers to a group of people who listen to or observe something, which does not apply to the context of the passage. The discussion is about human capabilities, not about who might witness or engage with those capabilities.

Conclusion

The term 'capacity' in the passage is best understood as 'an ability' because it refers to the necessary skills and competencies that early humans would have needed for maritime navigation and construction. This understanding highlights the advanced cognitive and technological capabilities of prehistoric peoples, which has significant implications for our understanding of their social structures and communication skills.

In the context in which it appears, 'a capacity' (line 11) most nearly means

In the context in which it appears, 'a capacity' most nearly means an ability.

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