Which term refers to a humorous verse form consisting of five anapestic lines with a specific rhyme scheme?

The correct answer is the term "limerick." A limerick is a type of humorous poetry that consists of five lines, adhering to a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme. It typically follows an anapestic meter, meaning that each of the first, second, and fifth lines contains three metrical feet and is usually written in a specific AABBA rhyme scheme. This structure is what gives limericks their distinct jovial tone and playful nature.

In contrast, a ballad is a narrative poem often meant to be sung, which has a different structure and purpose. A sonnet is a 14-line poem with varying rhyme schemes, typically focused on themes of love or nature, and differs substantially from humor in both form and content. Meanwhile, a haiku is a brief three-line poem originating from Japan, emphasizing nature, with a syllable count of 5-7-5, which does not align with the characteristics of a limerick. Thus, the qualities that define a limerick—its specific meter, number of lines, and lighthearted content—make it the correct choice in this context.