Each sentence below has one or two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Beneath the sentences are five words labeled A and E. Choose the words or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

Example:

Medieval kingdoms did not become constitutional republics overnight, on the contrary, the change was_______

(A) unpopular

(B) unexpected

(C) sufficient

(D) gradual

Mammals of temperate zones often give birth in the spring, thereby ---- their offspring to ---the seasons abundant food.

(A) subjecting .. subsist on

(B) encouraging .. compete for

(C) tempting .. abstain from

D) forcing .. forage for

(E) enabling .. benefit from