Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The part after the semicolon expands upon the first part of the sentence.
So, since the first part tells us that there is no money in archaeology, then there will only be small (paltry) amounts for excavating. Also ‘even more’ indicates that another similar word is required. Thus, meager also means small.
(miniscule = tiny; augmented = increased; judicious = wise, just; penurious = poor)