Respuesta :
I think tat the underlined, or the word that you specify, would be "excited." In addition, the word would most likely function as the predicate adjective in the sentence. By definition, a predicate adjective is a kind of adjective in which it is usually followed by a linking verb attached to it.
Answer:
Predicate adjective
Explanation:
A predicate adjective is an adjective that is related to a verb linking and refers to the subject of the phrase that this linking verb is referencing. In this case, the predicate adjective "animated" is related to the linking verb "become" and refers to the subject "archaeologists".
The linking verbs are those that do not indicate action, but the state of mind of the subject.