Question #N1148
The recent discovery of a new species of fish—the so-called "dancing fish"—has scientists excited because the fish’s unique dancing movements are not just mesmerizing, but also unusual. The dancing fish’s movements are thought to be a way for the fish to attract mates. While the dancing fish's movements have been studied in the wild, scientists would like to study them in a lab setting to control for other variables that could affect the fish's behavior, such as the availability of food and the presence of predators.
Which choice best combines the sentences at the underlined portion to maintain the style and tone of the passage?
A. mesmerizing, but also unusual, and the dancing fish’s movements are thought to be a way for the fish to attract mates.
B. mesmerizing, but also unusual, and scientists think that the dancing fish’s movements are a way for the fish to attract mates.
C. mesmerizing, but also unusual, and scientists would like to study them in a lab setting to control for other variables that could affect the fish's behavior, such as the availability of food and the presence of predators.
D. mesmerizing, but also unusual, scientists think that the dancing fish’s movements are a way for the fish to attract mates, and scientists would like to study them in a lab setting to control for other variables that could affect the fish's behavior, such as the availability of food and the presence of predators.
Correct Answer is: B
Choice B is the most logical and concise way to combine the sentences. The phrase "and scientists think that" maintains the style and tone of the passage, creating a smooth flow between the two ideas.