Questions 1-4 refer to the following passage from a book about animals.

A curious thing has been occurring in the United States over the past 10 years. American dairy cows have been losing their spots. If the loss of cow spots (1).... less milk, people would know about this strange phenomenon, but the loss of spots has only affected the appearance of cows. (2)..... of a new study released by the Wisconsin School of Agriculture, people (3).... aware of this occurrence. Scientists aren't sure why this is happening, but it is (4)..... the cows have lost the ability to produce spotted offspring. The black and white Holstein cows used to be born black and white, but now they are born either black or white. Farmers and scientists wish they (5).... the problem. They would rather have their cows looking as they did in the past and as they are shown on many labels for dairy products. After all, if people (6).... their skin colors, it would be disturbing. (7).... people knew about this issue. I would rather scientists (8)... a solution.