OpenSAT

Question #N714

The scientists were excited about the discovery of the new species of fish, which they believe has the potential to revolutionize the field of marine biology. The fish, which was named *Aureus mirabilis*, is a deep-sea creature that has adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as high pressure and darkness. Scientists are currently studying the fish’s unique physiology and behavior, which could lead to important breakthroughs in our understanding of life in the deep sea.

Which of the following is the most effective way to combine the sentences in the underlined portion of the passage?

A. The fish, which was named *Aureus mirabilis*, is a deep-sea creature that has adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as high pressure and darkness.

B. The fish, which was named *Aureus mirabilis*, is a deep-sea creature, it has adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as high pressure and darkness.

C. The fish, which was named *Aureus mirabilis*, is a deep-sea creature; it has adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as high pressure and darkness.

D. The fish, which was named *Aureus mirabilis*, is a deep-sea creature, has adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as high pressure and darkness.

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Correct Answer is: A

Choice A is the most effective way to combine the sentences because it uses a comma to separate the two independent clauses, which is the correct way to punctuate two independent clauses when they are joined by a comma. Choice B is incorrect because it uses a comma to separate two independent clauses when they should be separated by a semicolon or a conjunction. Choice C is incorrect because it uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses when they should be separated by a comma or a conjunction. Choice D is incorrect because it uses a comma to separate two independent clauses when they should be separated by a semicolon or a conjunction.