From the passage about western Kansas and the changing prairie, it may be determined that the word "mercantile" has something to do with which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to infer the meaning of the word mercantile from the context of the passage. The author describes the relationship to the land as primarily mercantile, which contrasts with the later description of its romantic quality.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The author says that the relationship to the place has always felt primarily mercantile.
• The community used the land and tried to hold at bay its effect on them.
• The author later speaks of romantic quality and emotional attachment to the expanse of the land.
• Mercantile should oppose or differ from romantic and emotional language.

Concept / Approach:
Mercantile is derived from commerce and trade. In context, it refers to a practical, businesslike, profit-focused relationship with the land, rather than an emotional or spiritual one. We choose the option that best reflects this businesslike, practical aspect.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Notice that mercantile describes how people related to the land. Step 2: Recognise that they used the land for farming, which is an economic activity. Step 3: Contrast mercantile with the later reference to romantic quality, which is clearly emotional. Step 4: Understand that mercantile therefore means commercial, businesslike or practical. Step 5: Select the option closest in meaning to commercial and businesslike, which is practicality.

Verification / Alternative check:
Replace mercantile with practical or commercial in the sentence and see if it still makes sense. A primarily practical or commercial relationship to the land matches the idea of using it mainly for economic benefit, which fits the passage well.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Danger: The passage does not suggest that the land is threatening or unsafe.
America: Mercantile is not a national term; it is related to trade and commerce, not specifically to a country.
Spirituality: This is the opposite of what mercantile suggests, since the author contrasts mercantile with romantic and emotional responses to the land.

Common Pitfalls:
Students might guess spirituality because romantic quality appears later, but the passage clearly sets mercantile as a contrasting idea. Another error is to rely on vague memory instead of using the context to infer meaning.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is practicality, because mercantile in this passage refers to a practical, commercial attitude centred on using the land for economic gain rather than emotional or spiritual connection.