As used in paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 of the passage, the word powers is closest in meaning to a-abilities b-influence c-forcefulness d-authority

A. abilities

Explanation:

The word "powers" as used in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 actually means "abilities".

The passage reveals that some animals have "regenerative powers" that is "regenerative abilities". This means that those animals have abilities to regenerate some new from what was lost. The excerpt reveals that starfish have the regenerative ability to grow new arm when any of its arms is broken. It also reveals that even planaria that can be cut into pieces have the ability to grow into a new one from any of the pieces.

Regenerative power actually refer to the ability of restoring bringing something new out of something old. So, some animals that such abilities in them to do so.

gg

explanation:

b. and i with my fighting heart, i thought at

first / to steal up to him [the cyclops].   the cyclops’ actions first odysseus to take

action after killing his men and trapping in the cave revealed his intent of

doing them harm.   that is why odysseus

blinded him to enable him and his men to escape.