Sea lions are playfull and acrobatic animals, with sleek bodies and a curious nature. California sea lions ar the species that is most commonly seen in zoos and aquariums, captivating guests with their anticts. This charismatic animal has a number of unique characteristics tha are simply astounding. Read on to learn about the sea lio. They range mainly from light to dark brown, with a streamlined body. They have powerful front flippers used for swimming. The sea lion’s rear flippers can be rotated under its body to walk very efficiently on land. Sexually mature males are much larger than females, and have a sagittal crest, or large bump, on their heads. In several species, the males have longer hair on their necks, similar to a lion’s mane. Sea lions are loud, boisterous and inquisitive animals. These characteristics make them a highly interesting and charming species to humans. Researchers have been able to study several species extensively because sea lions are commonly kept in human care and liked by the general public. Different species of these animals can be found in different aquatic habitats. They tend to congregate on both sandy shores and rocky outcrops, as well as marinas and buoys. This adaptable species lives and hunts in ranges from the protected waters of bays, to hundreds of miles offshore. Adopted from: https://animals.net/sea-lion/ (30th November 2018) "Researchers have been able to study several species extensively ..." (Paragraph 3) What is the closest meaning of the underlined word?

                Sea lions are playfull and acrobatic animals, with sleek bodies and a curious nature. California sea lions ar the species that is most commonly seen in zoos and aquariums, captivating guests with their anticts. This charismatic animal has a number of unique characteristics tha are simply astounding. Read on to learn about the sea lio.

                They range mainly from light to dark brown, with a streamlined body. They have powerful front flippers used for swimming. The sea lion’s rear flippers can be rotated under its body to walk very efficiently on land. Sexually mature males are much larger than females, and have a sagittal crest, or large bump, on their heads. In several species, the males have longer hair on their necks, similar to a lion’s mane.

                Sea lions are loud, boisterous and inquisitive animals. These characteristics make them a highly interesting and charming species to humans. Researchers have been able to study several species extensively because sea lions are commonly kept in human care and liked by the general public.

                Different species of these animals can be found in different aquatic habitats. They tend to congregate on both sandy shores and rocky outcrops, as well as marinas and buoys. This adaptable species lives and hunts in ranges from the protected waters of bays, to hundreds of miles offshore.

Adopted from: https://animals.net/sea-lion/  (30th November 2018)

 

"Researchers have been able to study several species extensively ..." (Paragraph 3)
What is the closest meaning of the underlined word?