The description of these behaviors is termed the mechanism. When scientists are not provided with such a mechanism, then a description of a process, it's explanation, or it's understanding, is questioned. Astrology does not work with mechanisms. It works with relationships, patterns, tendencies, and interpretations. It does not always give a yes or no answer.
I hate the Drawing Canvas and I understand that it's not backward compatible, so I never use it. To turn it off in Word 2002 and above, go to Tools 4 Options, General tab. Untick Automatically create drawing canvas....
Select a single shape. On the Home tab, in the Tools group, click Pointer Tool. Point to the shape on the drawing page until it becomes a four-headed arrow, and then click the shape. Select multiple shapes with Area Select. On the Home tab, in the Editing group, click Select, and select Area Select.