In mycology, the study of subterranean mycorrhizal networks has revealed complex interactions between tree species in temperate forests. A network of fungal threads, which extends through the soil to connect the root systems of different plants, ______ the sharing of vital nutrients and water. This cooperative exchange enhances the overall resilience of the entire forest ecosystem.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- Afacilitate
- facilitatesAnswer
- Cfacilitating
- Dhave facilitated
Answer
The correct answer is the singular verb 'facilitates' because it agrees in number with the singular subject of the clause, 'A network'.
The correct option is 'facilitates'. The singular subject of the sentence is 'A network'. The prepositional phrase 'of fungal threads' and the parenthetical relative clause 'which extends through the soil to connect the root systems of different plants' serve as intervening modifiers that do not affect the number of the subject. Therefore, a singular verb is required, and 'facilitates' correctly matches the singular subject 'A network' in the present tense.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Subject-verb agreement requires that a verb match its subject in number, even when separated by intervening phrases or clauses containing plural nouns.
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