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Difficulty: MediumPlural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

During a 2021 expedition to the Canadian Arctic, marine biologist Dr. Marcus Patel focused on tracking the migration patterns of bowhead whales using satellite telemetry. By analyzing the collected telemetry data, Patel aimed to understand how shifting sea ice affects the whales' feeding paths. Ultimately, the ______ research yielded crucial insights into how rapidly warming ocean temperatures are altering traditional migratory corridors in the region.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A
    biologist
  2. B
    biologists
  3. biologist'sAnswer
  4. D
    biologists'

Answer

The singular possessive noun 'biologist's' correctly completes the sentence by showing that the research belongs to the single biologist, Dr. Marcus Patel.
The correct answer is the singular possessive noun 'biologist's'. The passage establishes that Dr. Marcus Patel is a singular marine biologist. Because the noun following the blank ('research') belongs to him, we need the singular possessive form, which is created by adding an apostrophe followed by 's'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the noun being modified and determine if a possessive relationship is required.
The blank precedes 'research'. Since the research belongs to the scientist mentioned, a possessive form of the noun is required.
Possessive nouns are used to indicate ownership or close association with a following noun.
2
Determine the number (singular or plural) of the noun in the context of the passage.
The passage mentions 'marine biologist Dr. Marcus Patel', which refers to a single individual.
The noun must be singular to match the single biologist introduced in the first sentence.
3
Select the form that is both singular and possessive.
The singular possessive form is 'biologist's' (formed by adding -'s to the singular noun 'biologist').
This form correctly conveys that the research belongs to one biologist.

Key Concept

Plural and Possessive Nouns
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Plural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

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