Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumClause Boundaries and Linking

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents support complex communities in the complete absence of sunlight. Instead of relying on solar energy, the organisms in these extreme habitats depend on chemosynthetic bacteria that convert hydrogen sulfide into chemical energy ______ biological production forms the foundation of a food web that sustains unique species of tube worms, crabs, and shrimp.

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

  1. A
    , but this
  2. B
    this
  3. ; thisAnswer
  4. D
    , this

Answer

The semicolon followed by the pronoun 'this' ('; this') is the correct choice because it appropriately links the two independent clauses.
The semicolon successfully links two independent clauses ('Instead of relying on solar energy, the organisms in these extreme habitats depend on chemosynthetic bacteria that convert hydrogen sulfide into chemical energy' and 'this biological production forms the foundation of a food web that sustains unique species of tube worms, crabs, and shrimp') without the need for a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the two clauses surrounding the blank.
The first clause ('Instead of relying on solar energy, the organisms in these extreme habitats depend on chemosynthetic bacteria that convert hydrogen sulfide into chemical energy') and the second clause ('this biological production forms the foundation of a food web that sustains unique species of tube worms, crabs, and shrimp') are both independent clauses.
Identifying the clause types is necessary to determine the correct punctuation and connectors required.
2
Determine the relationship between the two clauses.
The second clause continues and elaborates on the idea in the first clause, demonstrating a continuous and direct relationship rather than a contrast.
The logical relationship helps eliminate coordinators or subordinators that introduce inappropriate transitions.
3
Select the correct punctuation to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
A semicolon is the appropriate punctuation mark to join two closely related independent clauses. A comma alone creates a comma splice, no punctuation creates a run-on, and using the coordinating conjunction 'but' introduces an incorrect sense of contrast.
Applying grammatical rules ensures the sentence conforms to Standard English conventions.

Key Concept

Linking Independent Clauses
Rate this question

Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

More questions from this topic