Question

")) Look at the word succumb in the passage below.
() Studies suggest that the growing rate of a tree doesn't slow down as it ages. In fact, the older trees get, the more they grow. Instead of dying of old age, trees tend to succumb to outside threats, yielding to dangers such as pests, disease, harsh weather, logging, or fires. One hardy tree species that is resistant to many of those threats is the bristlecone pine, which can live for thousands of years. One of the oldest bristlecone pines is more than 4,800 years old. That's older than the pyramids of Egypt. It stands in the Inyo National Forest in the White Mountains of California, a living monument to the vigor of the species.
")) What is the meaning of succumb as used in the passage?
give in to an overwhelming force
be wary of the unknown
create or give birth to an idea
believe in or give credit to something

Answer 1

"Give in to an overwhelming force."

Explanation: in the passage "succumb to outside threats" means trees are overcome or yield to external dangers (pests, disease, weather), not that they die of old age.