An Evolutionary Question
by Kegler

One answer in each column loses a letter to become a new word before entry. From left to right, these letters provide the 18 Across.

Across 1 Is led astray, but does nothing 5 Hype about Mr. Guthrie's sitting room 9 Bird chews repulsively, for the most part 11 Socially acceptable one committed to veggie and small dessert 12 One true insect 13 Cold sheep stuff 14 A tuft of hair wrapped around weapon; essentially inconclusive, it might get you started (2 wds) 16 Dolt stuffing piece of Limburger in fish 17 Sound of machinery starts to worry homeowners in region 18 See instructions 21 Pay up front for a tangled net 25 Permit for park animal 27 Concur; starting late, darkness envelops lady, okay? (2 wds) 29 Shut off, like so 30 Indicate approval of Oxford fellow's return 31 At home, initially, in part of dump 32 Retained most of key point 33 Broadcast line about pair of wheels spinning 34 Stand, grabbing head of nozzle for shampooing step

Down 1 Embraced by Erica, a singer brought up Biblical character 2 Fastening, in a way, performing excellently inside 3 California city camper with a Caterpillar, say 4 Rogue ingredients, at first, in seafood dish 5 Greek character backing into strange chap's belly 6 Having change of heart, use in an appropriate way 7 Large bend in tree 8 Note rare vessel carrying me back 10 Study up on radical social misfit 13 Southern flier has cold, unpleasant expression 15 Certain rules for joints after 1,000 sing terribly 18 Ray quietly hugs real sexy woman 19 Tries to find source of several startled cries 20 Tour leader has left right amount of old Dutch money 22 Honesty, finally heartfelt, hurt badly 23 Stoner exercises certain muscle 24 Rise, but ultimately speak no lines 25 E.g., salmon bite back end of hook 26 Letters from Bucharest, a teacher's property 28 Gradually catch on to funny angle

Solution