Identify the metric foot that comprises two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable.

The correct answer is the metric foot known as an anapest. An anapest consists of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable, resulting in a rhythmic pattern that can create a flowing, lyrical quality in poetry. For example, in the phrase "in the middle of the night," the first two syllables "in the" are unstressed, while "night" is stressed. This arrangement contributes to the overall meter and sound of a poem, often used to evoke a sense of movement or speed.

In contrast, the other options refer to different metric feet: a spondee features two stressed syllables, a trochee has a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one, and a dactyl consists of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed ones. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing the structure and rhythm of poetry effectively.