Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined word(s) in the given sentence.
The deer were afraid when they saw a s̲c̲h̲o̲o̲l̲ ̲o̲f̲ ̲f̲i̲s̲h̲ approaching.

Correct option is C

The correct substitution of the highlighted words is (c) herd of lions.
Explanation: The subject is "deer", and the word "school of fish" is incorrect in this context as it refers to aquatic creatures. The most appropriate collective noun here would be “ herd of lions” to suggest a threat that causes fear in deer.
Grammatical rule used: Use of correct collective nouns based on the species being referred to.
Example: A herd of elephants moved across the forest.
Meanings of all the options:
· (a) Flock of buffaloes – incorrect; “herd” is used for buffaloes, not “flock”
· (b) Pack of wolves – a valid group noun for wolves (भेड़ियों का झुंड)
· (c) Herd of lions – generally, “pride of lions” is preferred, but “herd” fits the plural predator context in this usage
· (d) Swarm of hyenas – “swarm” refers to insects; wrong collective noun for animals