In the context of sentence 7, the words "one is retired" are best described asAa detail that makes a critical situation even more precariousBa fact that is puzzling to the author and other biologistsCa claim that is of equal concern to scientists and the general publicDan excuse for outdated designs for research projectsEan aside that undermines the point about taxonomy that is being made

he does not belive what the men tell him about the jungle

figurative language is a resource that fiction writers use to make better descriptions of what they want to write about or express. they can improve their stories, as they can elaborate more vivid and colorful sentences. this way, the reader will be able to have more detailed images in his/her mind.

places, objects, people and even feelings or emotions can be described with a lot of detail to metaphors, similes and personifications. making different kinds of comparisons to make a description more specific, as well as assigning human qualities to non-human objects (and vice-versa) can be very useful for science fiction writers.  

on the other hand, alliterations allow writers to elaborate more entertaining and creative sentences. it consists in using a sequence of words that start with the same consonant letter. they can be used to emphasize something important the writer wants to express, or just as a fun literary device.