yogeshchaudhari wrote:
Combining enormous physical strength with higher
intelligence, the Neanderthals appear as equipped for
facing any obstacle the environment could put in their
path, but their relatively sudden disappearance during
the Paleolithic era indicates that an inability to adapt
to some environmental change led to their extinction.
(A) appear as equipped for facing any obstacle the
environment could put in their path,
(B) appear to have been equipped to face any
obstacle the environment could put in their path,
(C) appear as equipped to face any obstacle the
environment could put in their paths,
(D) appeared as equipped to face any obstacle the
environment could put in their paths,
(E) appeared to have been equipped for facing any
obstacle the environment could put in their path,
In this question, why can't we say that D is the correct answer based on verb sequencing? i.e. 'Equipped for facing...' comes before 'inability to adapt'.
Dear Yogesh,
Thanks for posting your query here.
There are two reasons to eliminate this option. First, "paths" should be "path", since the sentence refers to the path of evolution taken by the Neanderthals.
Secondly, verb sequencing can't be applied here because "appears" should be parallel to "indicates". Both these verbs refer to evidence about the Neanderthals that is being considered at the present time. Thinking logically, "appear" is not an action that could have happened in the past. Based on the evidence found, the Neanderthals appear to us in a certain way. The sentence is therefore saying something about the past from the point of view of the present time. So, "appear" is correct.
I hope this helps to clarify your doubt.
Regards,
Meghna
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