The ecologist's research highlighted one alarming trend in ocean biodiversity ______ a steady decline in the populations of large predatory fish over the past century.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- Acheck_circle
:
- B
;
- C
, being
- D
(empty)
Explanation
A colon introduces a noun-phrase elaboration of "one alarming trend." A semicolon requires an independent clause; ", being" is awkward; " " is a run-on.