In this question, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided. To check…

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence needs a compound adjective to describe the trees planted in arid zones (dry areas) to check desertification. The adjective must say the trees can survive or withstand drought.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Resistant" is the standard adjective used with "to" or in compounds, meaning able to withstand something: disease-resistant, water-resistant, heat-resistant, drought-resistant.

• "Resisting" is a participle describing an action in progress, such as "the army resisting the attack". It does not form a natural compound here.
• "Effective" means producing a desired result. "Drought-effective" is not an English collocation.
• "Proof" works in compounds like waterproof and fireproof, but trees are not described as "drought-proof". This is also not the standard term in agriculture and forestry.

Step 3: Test each option

• A. drought-resisting: not idiomatic.
• B. drought-resistant: correct, and it is the standard term in agriculture and environmental science.
• C. drought-effective: meaningless.
• D. drought-proof: unusual and not the standard collocation.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is B. drought-resistant.

Tip: For compound adjectives meaning "able to withstand", remember the common pattern -resistant: water-resistant, heat-resistant, drought-resistant, disease-resistant. Learn these as fixed collocations, since JAMB often tests them.