An orchestra is a large group of musicians, so musicians are essential. Although many orchestras have violin sections, violins aren't essential to an orchestra (choice a). Neither a stage (choice b) nor a soloist (choice d) is necessary.
An itinerary is a proposed route of a journey. A map (choice a) is not necessary to have a planned route. Travel (choice c) is usually the outcome of an itinerary, but not always. A guidebook (choice d) may be used to plan the journey but is not essential.
All vertebrates have a backbone. Reptiles (choice b) are vertebrates, but so are many other animals. Mammals (choice c) are vertebrates, but so are birds and reptiles. All vertebrates (choice d) are animals, but not all animals are vertebrates.
A domicile is a legal residence, so dwelling is the essential component for this item. You do not need a tenant (choice a) in the domicile, nor do you need a kitchen (choice c). A house (choice d) is just one form of a domicile (which could also be a tent, hogan, van, camper, motor home, apartment, dormitory, etc.).
Knowledge is understanding gained through experience or study, so learning is the essential element. A school (choice a) is not necessary for learning or knowledge to take place, nor is a teacher or a textbook (choices b and c).
A culture is the behavior pattern of a particular population, so customs are the essential element. A culture may or may not be civil or educated (choices a and b). A culture may be an agricultural society (choice c), but this is not the essential element.
A facsimile must involve an image of some sort. The image or facsimile need not, however, be a picture (choice a). A mimeograph and a copier machine (choices c and d) are just a two of the ways that images may be produced, so they do not qualify as the essential element for this item.
Sustenance is something, especially food, that sustains life or health, so nourishment is the essential element.Water and grains (choices b and c) are components of nourishment, but other things can be taken in as well. A menu (choice d) may present a list of foods, but it is not essential to sustenance.
An infirmary is a place that takes care of the infirm, sick, or injured.Without patients, there is no infirmary. Surgery (choice a) may not be required for patients. A disease (choice b) is not necessary because the infirmary may only see patients with injuries. A receptionist (choice d) would be helpful but not essential.
A purchase is an acquisition of something. A purchase may be made by trade (choice a) or with money (choice b), so those are not essential elements. A bank (choice c) may or may not be involved in a purchase.