Mummies found in the valley crypts, an example of some of the earliest

We can easily ascertain the plurality of the subject (Mummies) that starts the sentence and thus cross out A/B/E in a stroke for using incorrect "singular verb indicates" in the underlined portion of the sentence.

Between (C) and (D), the split has to be made per the meaning imparted by the usage of word "example" or "examples". What is the correct usage here?
If you observe, "As nouns the difference between example and examples is that example is something that is representative of all such things in a group while examples are different entities showing different characters.

Example:
Students fighting for their right to education is an example of growing dissent among the youth. (Students fighting for their rights is a collective single example showing the manner of dissent. Each student in the group is not showing a unique different type of dissent. All are showing the same dissent. So, they together are an example, not examples.)
He set a good example for the rest of us.
Advertising provides a good example of an industry where dreams have faded.

Examples:
She gave several examples to show that the program is effective. (Here, the lady gave several different examples, each having its own unique character, to show the effectiveness of the program.)
We have chosen three examples of contemporary architecture for closer study. (Here, three examples chosen of contemporary architecture are each unique in their own and do not present a single character together.)
The dictionary includes thousands of examples. (Dictionary has various different words, each with its own unique meaning. Thus, the usage of "examples" is apt here.)

So, as per the meaning of the sentence given, "Mummies found in the valley crypts" collectively represent a single character (sufferers of heart disease). Hence, they are an example not examples.

Thus, (D) is the correct choice.

I am confused
Is C the correct answer or D?

Actually, all options are wrong in this question. I assume that A,B, and E has been easily eliminated based on SV agreement error. Coming to C and D, úsage of ''an example'' - theappositive modifier is the right construction. There are no multiple examples. Secondly, parallelism leads to poor connection. The fact that mummies are one of the earliest known sufferers of heart disease indicate us something in present. Thus, they are related, thus usage of ''and'' establishes poor connection. Ideal answer should be as follows:

''.....crypts, an example of some of the earliest known sufferers of heart disease, indicate.....

Thank You
Vighnesh

Hello helipatel91198,

We hope this finds you well.

To answer your query, option C is the superior answer choice because Option D uses the clause "Mummies...are an example of some of the earliest known sufferers of heart disease", illogically suggesting that multiple mummies are a singular example of multiple sufferers of heart disease.

Option C rectifies this error by modifying "Mummies..." with the appositive "examples of some of the earliest known sufferers of heart disease".

We hope this helps.
All the best!
Experts' Global Team

VERITAS PREP OFFICIAL SOLUTION:

The two major decision points in this question are between “an example” and “examples” and between “indicate” and “indicates.” This tells you that the question is primarily testing agreement. Because the mummies are the examples of “sufferers”, you know that they are multiple examples, not a single example. This means that you can eliminate (A), (D), and (E).

In choice (C), it may not be immediately clear whether it is acceptable to put the extra information within commas. Therefore, turn your attention to a more straightforward decision point: “indicates” versus “indicate”. Using the Slash and Burn technique, you should see that the subject of the sentence is “mummies,” which demands the verb “indicates.” Therefore, you should recognize that you can eliminate choice (B) and that choice (C) is correct.

an example ....of sufferers is INCORRECT
and hence we need "examples"......"of sufferers"

For those who are confused between C and D:

D: Illogicaly suggesting mummies (plural ) are a single example of multiple sufferers.

I arrived to the same conclusion. I believe D is the answer. GMATNinja opinions on this?

Hello FUNdManager,

We hope this finds you well.

To answer your query, Option D is not correct, as Option D uses the clause "Mummies...are an example of some of the earliest known sufferers of heart disease", illogically suggesting that multiple mummies are a singular example of multiple sufferers of heart disease.

We hope this helps.
All the best!
Experts' Global Team

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