What does "dappled" mean in the context of distribution?

The term "dappled" in the context of distribution refers to a pattern that is marked by irregular spots or patches, suggesting that something is not evenly or uniformly spread out. Instead, it implies a scattering of elements across a space in a way that creates a varied or mottled appearance. This is why "scattered around" is the correct interpretation of "dappled."

In contrast, the other options describe forms of distribution that are more structured or consistent—such as "uniformly spread out," which implies even distribution, "concentrated in one area," which suggests a lack of dispersion, and "ordered systematically," which denotes a methodical arrangement. All of these indicate a level of regularity or organization that diverges from the concept of being dappled. Therefore, the meaning of "dappled" as something that is scattered aligns perfectly with the notion of irregular and patchy distribution.