Question #N1139
The research team, which is made up of scientists from several universities, discovered a new species of butterfly in the Amazon rainforest. The scientists named the species *Amazonia elegans*.
Which choice provides the best way to combine the sentences above into a single sentence with correct punctuation?
A. The research team, which is made up of scientists from several universities, discovered a new species of butterfly in the Amazon rainforest; the scientists named the species *Amazonia elegans*.
B. The research team, which is made up of scientists from several universities, discovered a new species of butterfly in the Amazon rainforest, the scientists named the species *Amazonia elegans*.
C. The research team, which is made up of scientists from several universities, discovered a new species of butterfly in the Amazon rainforest, and the scientists named the species *Amazonia elegans*.
D. The research team, which is made up of scientists from several universities, discovered a new species of butterfly in the Amazon rainforest and the scientists named the species *Amazonia elegans*.
Correct Answer is: C
The best way to combine the sentences is by using a comma and a coordinating conjunction to link the two independent clauses. The comma separates the two clauses, and the conjunction “and” indicates that the actions in the two clauses are related. Choice A creates a comma splice, and choices B and D are incorrect because they don’t include a coordinating conjunction.