Final answer:
The synonym of 'underestimate' is 'misjudge'. The option 'misjudge' aligns with the notion of forming an incorrect opinion that could involve underestimating or making an error in judgment, while the other options do not accurately convey the same meaning.Option c is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The synonym of "underestimate" is c) Misjudge. Underestimate means to form a judgment about something that is too low. When someone underestimates something, they do not fully recognize its true value, importance, or magnitude. Similarly, "misjudge" means to form an incorrect opinion or conclusion about something or someone. This could involve underestimating, but also overestimating or making any kind of error in judgment.
The other options, overestimate and overvalue, imply judging something as greater than it actually is, which is the opposite of underestimate. Disregard means to pay no attention or lacking concern, which is not synonymous with underestimate. Studies involving animals that learn to seek out bait can result in an underestimate of population size because animals may not be as readily detectable during the study. It is important to choose the correct word in order to accurately convey the intended meaning, particularly in academic and research settings.