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Question

Difficulty: EasyColons, Semicolons, and Dashes

Complete the passage by entering the punctuation mark that correctly joins the two independent clauses.

Answer:In the study of ocean ecosystems, marine biologists often distinguish between different zones based on depth and light penetration. The photic zone receives ample sunlight, which allows for photosynthesis to occur【;】 the aphotic zone remains in complete darkness, forcing organisms to rely on alternative energy sources like marine snow or hydrothermal chemical reactions.

Answer

A semicolon (;)
A semicolon is the correct punctuation to join the two independent clauses because they are closely related in concept and are not linked by a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the clauses before and after the blank.
The clause before the blank ('The photic zone receives ample sunlight, which allows for photosynthesis to occur') and the clause after the blank ('the aphotic zone remains in complete darkness, forcing organisms to rely on alternative energy sources like marine snow or hydrothermal chemical reactions') are both independent clauses capable of standing alone as complete sentences.
To identify the grammatical relationship between the two parts of the sentence and determine the correct punctuation needed to join them.
2
Determine the appropriate punctuation mark to link these independent clauses without using a coordinating conjunction.
A semicolon is the correct mark to link two closely related independent clauses when no coordinating conjunction (such as 'and' or 'but') is present.
A comma alone would cause a comma splice, whereas a semicolon correctly and grammatically links the two complete thoughts.

Key Concept

Semicolons are used to link two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Colons, Semicolons, and Dashes

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