Arrange the following words in strict alphabetical (dictionary) order. Each word begins with the letter Z: 1) Zephyr 2) Zodiac 3) Zoonomy 4) Zenith 5) Zig-zag Choose the correct sequence from earliest (alphabetically) to latest.

Introduction / Context:
Alphabetical-order problems require comparing words letter by letter (lexicographic order). With all words starting with Z, you must move to the next letters and continue until a difference appears. Hyphens are typically ignored for ordering in such exam questions; treat “Zig-zag” as “Zigzag.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Words: Zenith, Zephyr, Zig-zag, Zodiac, Zoonomy.
• Compare letter by letter; if one word ends, the shorter word comes first.
• Treat “Zig-zag” as “Zigzag” for ordering.

Concept / Approach:
Compare based on the second, third, etc., letters after the initial Z, following standard dictionary rules.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Compare “Zenith” vs “Zephyr”: at third letter, “n” (110) < “p” (112) ⇒ Zenith precedes Zephyr.“Zigzag” starts with “Zi”, and “i” comes after “e”, so words with “Ze” come first.Among the remaining “Zo…” words: “Zodiac” (Zod…) comes before “Zoonomy” (Zoo…).Final alphabetical order: Zenith → Zephyr → Zig-zag → Zodiac → Zoonomy.Map back to indices: 4, 1, 5, 2, 3.

Verification / Alternative check:
Quick scan by second letters: e, e, i, o, o; within each letter group, compare next positions to confirm final order.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 4, 2, 1, 3, 5 etc.: misplace “Zodiac” among the “Ze…” and “Zi…” words.
• 5, 3, 2, 4, 1: starts with “Zig-zag” which cannot precede the “Ze…” words.
• None of these: Not needed because a correct sequence exists.

Common Pitfalls:
Being distracted by the hyphen in “Zig-zag” or comparing only the second letter without resolving ties at later letters.

Final Answer:
4, 1, 5, 2, 3