Cloze passage (birds): In the phrase "the presence of seven other species ________ the jay household", which preposition best completes the blank?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks correct preposition use to show belonging or classification. The writer mentions seven other bird species that all belong to the jay group. To express that natural relationship in English, we typically use the preposition "of" between the word "species" and the family or group name.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Relevant part: "presence of seven other species ________ the jay household". - Options: for, to, of, off. - The phrase "jay household" represents the family of birds called jays.

Concept / Approach:
In English, when we say that something belongs to a category or group, we often use "of". Examples include "members of the family", "species of birds", or "citizens of the country". Here, the seven species belong to the group or household of jays, so the natural phrase is "species of the jay household". Other prepositions do not express this belonging clearly or idiomatically.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the relationship: seven species belong to the "jay household". Step 2: Recall the standard patterns "species of birds", "members of the team", and so on. Step 3: Insert "of": "presence of seven other species of the jay household". Step 4: Test "for": "species for the jay household" sounds like a purpose, which is not intended. Step 5: Test "to": "species to the jay household" is ungrammatical in this context. Step 6: Test "off": "species off the jay household" has a completely different meaning related to separation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Look at similar biological expressions: "species of the cat family", "members of the crow family", or "varieties of the rose group". In each case, "of" shows that the items belong to that wider family. The phrase "of the jay household" follows the same pattern, confirming that "of" is the expected preposition in the passage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"For" suggests purpose or benefit, which does not match the idea of classification. "To" is used for direction or relationship in some phrases, but not for this type of group belonging. "Off" indicates separation or distance and would change the meaning completely.

Common Pitfalls:
Prepositions are often confused because they can have many uses. A good strategy is to memorise standard patterns such as "species of", "members of", and "types of". When you see a similar structure in a cloze question, you can apply the remembered pattern rather than guessing from general rules.

Final Answer:
The correct preposition is "of", giving "seven other species of the jay household".