The author emphasizes the size of New York City to show that it's actually quite small compared to nature and the ecosystem. The author emphasizes the "colossal" size of New York as an ironic source with the purpose of showing that even the strongest concrete city can be drawn by the power of mother nature itself.
The five letter word is shave
Their
I think that's what you're asking for?
Evidence refers to the available body of facts or information indicating wether a belief or proposition is true or valid
