Some scientists that by sensing a change in barometric pressure or electricity, certain species of fish may be able to portend seismic events; just before a recent earthquake, several fish were observed leaping into the air from the ocean.1. repudiate2. authorize3. foresee4. hypothesize5. question6. contend

4. Hypothesize.

Explanation:

Some scientists hypothesize that by sensing a change in barometric pressure or electricity, certain species of fish may be able to portend seismic events; just before a recent earthquake, several fish were observed leaping into the air from the ocean.

The answer cannot be repudiate for it means that the facts or information/ claim is rejected. Authorize, foresee, question and contend are also wrong as they do not support the claim that follows in the next words.

“way of writing” should be replaced with “writing style"

“idea” should be replaced with “purpose.”

maybe   “people from a long time ago” should be replaced with “elizabethans.”