Between 1827 and 1838, John James Audubon embarked on an odyssey across America, illustrating indigenous birds with vibrant watercolors. People paid to receive a set of five life-size prints every month or two. Each delivery typically comprised one large, arresting bird—such as the hot-pink roseate spoonbill—along with four other species of more modest plumage. In sum, Audubon authored some 87 sets, totaling 435 unique illustrations. The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia had the remarkable collection bound into an enormous book now available for public viewing.
The collection _________ the variety of the native population.
A illuminates
B embellishes
C safeguards
D complements