Sentence:  Data on the former are scanty , but there can be little doubt that the <WSD>latter</WSD> is sometimes born at a length greater than that of any of the others , thereby lending support to the belief that the anaconda does , indeed , attain the greatest length . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)