First discovered in the depths of the Pacific Ocean in 1977, ________. These vents emit superheated, mineral-rich water, fueling ecosystems that do not rely on sunlight for energy.
Which choice completes the passage so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- Ascientists have since studied hydrothermal vents to gain crucial insights into the origins of life on Earth.
- hydrothermal vents have since provided scientists with crucial insights into the origins of life on Earth.Answer
- Cinsights into the origins of life on Earth have since been gained by scientists studying hydrothermal vents.
- Dthe study of hydrothermal vents has since provided scientists with crucial insights into the origins of life on Earth.
Answer
hydrothermal vents have since provided scientists with crucial insights into the origins of life on Earth.
The correct option correctly places 'hydrothermal vents' as the subject of the sentence, immediately following the introductory modifying phrase 'First discovered in the depths of the Pacific Ocean in 1977,' which logically describes the vents. The other choices create dangling modifiers by placing 'scientists,' 'insights,' or 'the study' as the subject immediately following the modifier.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Subject-Modifier Agreement