Answer: Python Puzzler #3550

The answer is C. The program prints:

hoot

This answer was checked by running the program for real.

Why?

A dictionary stores pairs: a key and its value. sounds["owl"] looks up the key ‘owl’ and gives back its value.

Trace table

A trace table follows the program step by step. Here’s this one:

keyvalue
owlhoot
duckquack
sheepbaa
lionroar

The code again

sounds = {
    "owl": "hoot",
    "duck": "quack",
    "sheep": "baa",
    "lion": "roar",
}
print(sounds["owl"])

Try it: change one number in the program and predict the new output before you run it.