Analogy completion — choose the best word to complete the relationship: honeybee, angel, bat :: kangaroo, rabbit, __

Introduction / Context:
Here you must recognize a movement-based grouping. The first trio (honeybee, angel, bat) consists of beings commonly depicted or known to fly. The second trio should then present beings commonly known to hop or leap, preserving a consistent action theme across sets.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• First set: honeybee (flies), angel (flies in portrayals), bat (flies; a mammal).
• Second set: kangaroo (hops), rabbit (hops), __ (should also hop).
• We need a natural candidate that is prototypically associated with hopping.

Concept / Approach:
Once the first set's common action (flying) is identified, mirror it with a second set bound by another common action (hopping). 'Grasshopper' is strongly associated with hopping/jumping as its primary mode of motion, making it the best fit for the blank. Alternative choices do not match the intended motion or are mythical/unreal.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider each option's default motion: 'grasshopper' hops; 'possum' typically walks/climbs; 'sprinter' denotes a fast runner (human), not a hopper; 'mermaid' is mythical, associated with swimming; 'gazelle' runs and bounds but is not a stereotypical 'hopper.' Thus, 'grasshopper' uniquely fits.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• mermaid: mythical; associated with swimming, not hopping.
• possum: climbs/walks; not a hopper.
• sprinter: describes speed running; mismatched action.
• gazelle: running/bounding ungulate; not iconic for hopping.

Common Pitfalls:
Letting superficial attributes (mammal vs. insect) distract from the action-based rule. The decisive property is typical movement behavior.

Final Answer:
grasshopper