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Difficulty: HardPlural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

In temperate forests, mycorrhizal networks formed by underground fungi connect the root systems of multiple distinct plants, facilitating the shared distribution of essential carbon and nitrogen. Research by ecologist Pamela Cabrera suggests that these subterranean pathways do not merely benefit isolated specimens; rather, they can significantly enhance the neighboring _______ survival rates during prolonged periods of severe environmental stress.

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

  1. A
    seedling
  2. B
    seedlings
  3. C
    seedling's
  4. seedlings'Answer

Answer

seedlings'
The sentence requires a modifier for the noun phrase 'survival rates' to show whose survival rates are being enhanced. The context mentions 'multiple distinct plants' and 'isolated specimens,' which establishes that the reference is plural. Therefore, the plural possessive noun 'seedlings'' is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical function of the blank in the sentence.
The blank modifies 'survival rates,' a noun phrase, indicating that the target word must be in the possessive case to show association.
Determining the correct case ensures the sentence is structurally sound and conveys the intended relationship of ownership or association.
2
Determine the number (singular or plural) of the target noun from context clues.
The context references 'multiple distinct plants' and 'isolated specimens' in the plural, establishing that the reference must be plural.
Matching the number to existing plural nouns in the context maintains logical agreement across the passage.
3
Combine the possession and plurality requirements to identify the correct form.
The correct form is the plural possessive noun 'seedlings'.
This is the only form that satisfies both the plural context and the possessive modifier requirement.

Key Concept

Plural and Possessive Nouns
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Topics

Plural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

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