A flute is a musical instrument that is tubular in shape. It has a hole at the top edge from where the air is blown. There are some holes in the flute, which are known as keys. The pitch can be adjusted by closing or opening the holes or the keys with your fingers. Flutes have been known to exist for thousands of years. In 1995, scientists discovered a thigh bone that had two holes in it from a cave in Slovenia. Their research and analysis proved that it was a version of flute that was used by Neanderthals 43,000 years ago! The flutes during that time were made of bones, sticks, and panpipes and had 2–6 holes in them. The flute underwent much transformation in the years to come. Flutes made from metal produced a sound that was different from the ones produced by wooden flutes. The price of the flute varied, depending on the kind of metal used. Beginners often used flutes made of alloys of nickel or other inexpensive metal. Flutes coated with silver, platinum, or gold were expensive; even today, some priceless flutes are used by veterans in the performing arts. A flute is made up of several components, ranging from big body parts to very tiny pins and screws. Many times, the musicians order a customized flute to suit their requirement. The flute is usually disassembled and kept in boxes. A musician should be able to assemble these pieces together, ensuring that the screws and pins hold the pieces tightly. The maintenance of the flute is also very important for proper functioning. Lubrication of the keys and cleaning the parts with which the flute is connected are necessary in order to avoid damage caused by corrosion and usage. The moisture in the interior part of the flute should be dried properly. In spite of undergoing changes, the basic features of the flute remain the same. 1 Select the correct answer. What is the function of the illustration in the article? A. to describe the various parts of a flute B. to show readers what a flute looks like and how it is held C. to help readers understand what a flute is made of D. to help readers visualize the flutes used by Neanderthals