What is common about the metric feet defined as "anapest" and "dactyl"?

The correct answer is that both "anapest" and "dactyl" consist of three syllables. An anapest is structured with two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable (da-da-DUM), while a dactyl has one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables (DUM-da-da). This three-syllable pattern is a defining characteristic that differentiates these feet from others in poetry, such as iambs, which consist of only two syllables.

In addition, considering the other options, both "anapest" and "dactyl" do not consist solely of stressed syllables, nor are they iambic in nature. Iambs specifically have a different stress pattern. The mention of two syllables would also inaccurately classify both metric feet since they clearly contain three syllables. This understanding of syllable structure is essential in identifying and employing various metric feet in poetry.