On account of the dearth of grass on the arid plains the cattle became . . . . . .

The correct answer is: B. emaciated.

The word “emaciated” means “very thin and weak, especially because of illness or lack of food.” This is the most likely outcome for cattle that are deprived of grass, as they will not have enough food to eat and will become malnourished.

The other options

are not as likely. Option A, “jubilant,” means “very happy and excited.” It is unlikely that cattle would become happy and excited if they were starving. Option C, “flippant,” means “not taking something seriously.” It is also unlikely that cattle would become flippant if they were starving. Option D, “agitated,” means “uneasy or nervous.” It is possible that cattle would become agitated if they were starving, but this is not as likely as them becoming emaciated.