Which is the best way to combine the highlighted sentences - HiSET Prep

Question

A Fascinating Discovery

Read through the draft of an article about the discovery of a new species of titi monkey. Then go on to the suggestions for revision that follow. The numbered sentences in paragraph 1 are for use in answering questions.

(1} Titi monkeys are small fruit eating primates that live near water in dense forests. {2} They were first discovered in 1903. {3) This was in the Amazon Rainforest. {4) Since then, many different and various species have been found in that area. (5} The territory of a particular species is usually surrounded by rivers. {6) The titi does not swim, so an entire species live in a limited area. (7) Consequently, the number in each species is quite small. (8} In 2010, a group of Brazilian primatologists spotted a fascinating new monkey on the west bank of the Roosevelt River in the Amazon.

(2) However, especially in the early morning, like other titis, they engaged in frequent communal calling. Scientists think these calls help to create group cohesion. The calling is most intense in the rainy season, and their favorite trees are in fruit. It is probably a tactic to protect the fruit.

(3) They were finding that these monkeys are very much like their titi cousins in other parts of the Amazon. Their habitat is in a tropical forest, and they live primarally in the lower area called the undercanopy. The trees in this area are about fifty feet tall. The monkeys eat mostly the fruit of local trees, such as the Inga. Their fur is long and soft, and easily they jump from one tree branch to another. Their groups are small. Two to five monkeys live together. There is usually an adult pair also two or three offspring. Scientists have viewed adult titis carrying babies while searching for fruit. Because like other titis they do not swim they are confined by the rivers that surround their habitat. However, they differ from other titis in their bright coloring. In addition these new titis, to the strikingly colored tail also have orange-brown sideburns and bellies and a light gray forehead stripe.

(4) {C21}It was named Callicebus miltoni in honor of Dr. Milton Thiago de Mello. Dr. de Mello founded the primatology program at the University of Brasilia. He was also one of the creators of the Brazilian Primatology Society. The findings of the research group were published in a Brazilian zoological journal. The co-author Dr. Felipe Silva expressed his excitement about the discovery of the new species saying, "It is always thrilling to find something new in the Amazon, as it reminds us just how special this rainforest is and how lucky we are to have it on our doorstep." At the time of the discovery, thirty-one species of titi monkeys were recognized.

(5)This unusual monkey had coloring that did not match any known species. Intrigued by the monkey's orange tail, a group of specialists from several Brazilian primatology institutes formed a group to investigate. {C22 } The monkeys were running away whenever they were aware someone was watching. They were very shy. This made it difficult.

Which is the best way to combine the highlighted sentences?

Answers
  1. correct
Explanation

The Correct Answer is: B. They were first discovered in 1903 in the Amazon Rainforest.
This revision is the most effective because it combines the two original sentences smoothly and clearly without adding unnecessary words or punctuation. It creates a concise, grammatically correct statement that directly links the year of discovery with the location. The sentence flows naturally and avoids awkward constructions or comma errors, making it the best choice for a polished, professional revision.

Why the other options are incorrect:

  • A. They were first discovered in 1903, and this was in the Amazon Rainforest.
    This option is grammatically correct but unnecessarily wordy. The phrase “and this was” adds no meaningful information and slows the sentence. Combining sentences should improve efficiency and clarity, but this version creates a longer, less direct structure. The resulting sentence feels clunky and overly formal, reducing the smoothness of the revision.
  • C. They were first discovered in 1903, this was in the Amazon Rainforest.
    This option creates a comma splice, which occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a single comma. A comma splice is a grammatical error that disrupts clarity and correctness. The two clauses need a conjunction or proper punctuation, and without it, the sentence reads as improperly constructed and unsuitable for formal or academic writing.
  • D. They were first discovered in 1903 being in the Amazon Rainforest. This sentence is grammatically awkward and uses the participle “being” incorrectly. The construction suggests the monkeys existed in the rainforest rather than being discovered there. It creates confusion about what “being” modifies and leads to an unnatural sentence structure. Because it obscures meaning and disrupts readability, it is not an effective combination

Related Courses

Discover a range of courses designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your chosen field.

a prepsaret exam featured image
High School Prep

Ged Test Prep

Start Course Prep
a prepsaret exam featured image
Career Prep

SHRM-SCP Test Prep

Start Course Prep
a prepsaret exam featured image
Career Prep

SHRM-CP Test Prep

Start Course Prep
a prepsaret exam featured image
Career Prep

PMP Test Prep

Start Course Prep
a prepsaret exam featured image
CompTIA Prep

220-1201 - CompTIA A+ Exam Core 1

Start Course Prep
a prepsaret exam featured image
CompTIA Prep

220-1202 - CompTIA A+ Exam Core 2

Start Course Prep

Easy way to pass your test within a week with prepsaret

You don’t need one month to study and pass your test.
With Prepsaret, it takes you a few days to grasp all the concepts needed to pass your exams

View Courses Offered