A pioneer in the field of taphonomy (the study of how organic remains become fossils), ______ blank may be just

Question

A pioneer in the field of taphonomy (the study of how organic remains become fossils), blank may be just as prevalent in the fossil record as those of thick-shelled organisms.

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

Accepted Answer

Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the noun phrase &ldquo;Anna Behrensmeyer&rdquo; the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase &ldquo;a pioneer...fossils.&rdquo; In doing so, this choice clearly establishes that Anna Behrensmeyer-and not another noun in the sentence-is a pioneer in the field of taphonomy. Choice A is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase &ldquo;fossils of thin-shelled organisms&rdquo; immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the &ldquo;fossils&rdquo; are a pioneer in the field of taphonomy. Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the pronoun &ldquo;it&rdquo; immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that &ldquo;it&rdquo; is a pioneer in the field of taphonomy. Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase &ldquo;a 2005 analysis&rdquo; immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that &ldquo;a 2005 analysis&rdquo; is a pioneer in the field of taphonomy.

Question 8a266a