Lions, which are also called Panthera leo, is the second larges living

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Here is a detailed explanation to this question-

Meaning is crucial to solving this problem:
Understanding the intended meaning is key to solving this question; the intended meaning of this sentence is that the lion is also called Panthera leo and is the second largest living cat, after the tiger.

Concepts tested here: Subject-Verb Agreement + Meaning

A: The sentence formed by this answer choice incorrectly refers to the plural noun "Lions" with the singular verb "is". Further, Option A alters the meaning of the sentence through the clause "Lions...is the second largest living cat"; the construction of this clause illogically implies that all lions are collectively a single living cat; the intended meaning is that the species of animal known as the lion is the second largest living cat.

B: The sentence formed by this answer choice incorrectly refers to the plural noun "Lions" with the singular verb "is". Further, Option B alters the meaning of the sentence through the clause "Lions...is the second largest living cat"; the construction of this clause illogically implies that all lions are collectively a single living cat; the intended meaning is that the species of animal known as the lion is the second largest living cat.

C: This answer choice incorrectly refers to the singular noun "The lion" with the plural verb "are".

D: This answer choice alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "which is called Panthera leo"; the omission of the word "also" illogically implies that the lion is only called "Panthera leo"; the intended meaning is that the lion is also called Panthera leo, among other names.

E: Correct. The sentence formed by this answer choice correctly refers to the singular noun "The lion" with the singular verb "is". Further, Option E uses the clause "The lion...is the second largest living cat", conveying the intended meaning - that the species of animal known as the lion is the second largest living cat. Moreover, Option E uses the phrase "which is also called Panthera leo", conveying the intended meaning - that the lion is also called Panthera leo, among other names.

Hence, E is the best answer choice.

All the best!
Experts' Global Team