Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyColons, Semicolons, and Dashes

To survive in the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean, the Antarctic icefish relies on a unique biological adaptation_______ production of glycoprotein antifreeze molecules. These specialized proteins bind to tiny ice crystals in the fish's blood, preventing them from growing and causing lethal tissue damage.

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

  1. adaptation: theAnswer
  2. B
    adaptation; the
  3. C
    adaptation, it is the
  4. D
    adaptation the

Answer

adaptation: the
The correct answer uses a colon to connect the independent clause preceding the blank to the explanatory noun phrase that elaborates on what the adaptation is.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical structure of the clauses before and after the blank.
The clause before the blank is an independent clause because it contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. The phrase after the blank is a noun phrase that explains the adaptation.
Understanding the clause structure is necessary to determine which punctuation mark is allowed.
2
Determine the correct punctuation to join an independent clause with an explanatory phrase.
A colon is the appropriate punctuation mark here because the preceding clause is independent, and the following phrase explains or identifies the biological adaptation.
Colons must be preceded by an independent clause and can be followed by a word, phrase, list, or independent clause that explains or expands on the first clause.

Key Concept

Using a colon to introduce an explanation, clarification, or list after an independent clause.
Rate this question

Topics

Colons, Semicolons, and Dashes

More questions from this topic