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Difficulty: MediumClause Boundaries and Linking

In mycology, the study of underground mycorrhizal networks has revolutionized our understanding of forest ecology by revealing that trees do not merely compete for resources. Through these subterranean webs, trees can share vital nutrients such as carbon, water, and phosphorus ______ healthy, mature trees have been shown to support struggling saplings by actively redirecting nutrients to them.

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

  1. ; in fact,Answer
  2. B
    , in fact,
  3. C
    in fact
  4. D
    although

Answer

The choice containing the semicolon and the conjunctive adverb '; in fact,' is the correct answer.
The passage contains two independent clauses. The correct answer successfully links them by using a semicolon to separate the clauses and the conjunctive adverb '; in fact,' to introduce the second clause, which provides further evidence of the cooperative behavior described in the first.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical structure of the clauses surrounding the blank.
The clause before the blank ('Through these subterranean webs, trees can share vital nutrients such as carbon, water, and phosphorus') is an independent clause, and the clause after the blank ('healthy, mature trees have been shown to support struggling saplings by actively redirecting nutrients to them') is also an independent clause.
Determining clause types is necessary to choose the correct punctuation and conjunctions.
2
Evaluate the options to find a grammatically correct way to join two independent clauses.
Two independent clauses must be joined by a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction. Using only a comma creates a comma splice, and using no punctuation creates a run-on sentence.
This rules out grammatically incorrect linkages like comma splices and run-ons.
3
Check the logical relationship between the two clauses to select the appropriate connector.
The second clause reinforces and elaborates on the statement in the first clause. The conjunctive adverb '; in fact,' correctly signals this relationship, whereas 'although' suggests an incorrect relationship of contrast.
The linking punctuation and wording must match the logical flow of the passage.

Key Concept

Connecting Independent Clauses
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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