The sentence given has a blank that must be filled with an appropriate word. Four alternatives are suggested. Choose the correct alternative: "Few people know that flowers use textures to __________ different kinds of insects."

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of vocabulary and how words fit logically into a scientific or natural description. The sentence talks about flowers and how they interact with insects. Specifically, it mentions that flowers use textures as a tool. Your job is to choose the verb that best describes what flowers are trying to achieve with these textures.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: "Few people know that flowers use textures to __________ different kinds of insects."
• Options: signal, feel, attract, distract.
• We assume basic knowledge of how flowers and insects interact in nature (pollination).

Concept / Approach:
In nature, flowers often use colour, scent, nectar and texture to draw pollinators—such as bees, butterflies and other insects—towards them. The aim is to attract insects so that pollen can be transferred and reproduction can occur. The verb that best captures this function is "attract". While flowers can also send signals, the usual description in biology is that flowers attract insects, not distract them or "feel" them. The approach is to match the verb to the known biological role of flower textures and patterns.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the context: the sentence is explaining a lesser-known fact about how flowers interact with insects using textures. Step 2: Consider "signal". Flowers can be said to signal insects with colours or scents, but the more common explanation is that these features attract insects. "Signal" might fit partially, but we need the most precise verb. Step 3: Consider "feel". The idea that flowers use textures to "feel" insects is incorrect because flowers do not actively feel; rather, insects might feel the textures. Step 4: Consider "attract". This directly expresses the purpose of using special colours, scents and textures—to draw insects towards the flower. Step 5: Consider "distract". This would mean drawing insects away from something else, which does not match the typical role of flowers. Step 6: Therefore, "attract" is the best word to complete the sentence.

Verification / Alternative check:
Insert "attract" into the sentence: "Few people know that flowers use textures to attract different kinds of insects." This reads naturally and corresponds with how school science textbooks, documentaries and articles describe flower-insect relationships. Flowers want insects to come to them so that pollen transfer can happen. The other options distort this purpose or shift the focus away from what the flowers are doing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• signal: While flowers can signal bees with colours and scents, the sentence structure and common biological explanation focus more on attraction; "attract" is more accurate and idiomatic here.
• feel: Suggests that flowers themselves are sensing insects, which is biologically inaccurate in this context.
• distract: Means diverting attention; flowers do not intend to distract insects from something else, but to draw them in.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes overthink and choose less common words like "signal" because they sound more technical or scientific. However, in exam questions, the most straightforward and broadly accepted word is usually correct. When thinking about plant–insect relationships, "flowers attract insects" is a standard collocation that should immediately come to mind.

Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is attract.