1.   But this simplistic account of that crucial phase of evolution has not stood the test of modern investigation.

2.   But it is the crucial sexual phase that allows researchers to identify a fungus definitively and place it in its proper spot on the fungus family tree.

3.   Corn plants are entering the crucial growing phase, where pollen fertilizes the kernel, allowing it to grow.

4.   Despite the disparity in raising money, Cuomo and Pataki have comparable, though not quite equal, sums to spend in the crucial final phase of the election.

5.   If one play symbolized the plight of the Patriots as they enter this crucial phase of their season, it was that one.

6.   Investigators apparently feared that Sueno was planning to try to escape during a crucial phase of the investigation, the sources said.

7.   The health-care debate is in its most crucial phase, and most expect Congress to act on the issue in the next few weeks.

8.   A three-month drought at a crucial phase of the growing season is mainly to blame.

9.   An obscene gesture made to rival fans could cost soccer star Romario a four-game suspension at a crucial phase of the Rio state championship.

10.   As his investigation enters a crucial phase, Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr eliminated one past path of criticism by taking an unpaid leave from his private law firm.