Here is my thought on this. rephrasing as "prep. phrase, Object orbited Mars and succeeded 'pre. phrase' to X, Y and Z. ".. Both C and D will fit this description.
On November 14th, 1971, the unmanned NASA spacecraft Mariner 9 orbited the planet Mars and succeeded in its mission
to contribute to Martian atmospheric studies, mapping Martian surface features from the lowest possible altitude, and detect heat sources from Martian volcanoes in search of evidence of recent volcanic activity.
A) to contribute to Martian atmospheric studies, and mapping Martian surface features from the lowest possible altitude, it detected
- the last phrase 'it detected heat...' incorrect pronoun does not point to a specific antecedent.B) to contribute to Martian atmospheric studies, while mapping the Martian surface features from the lowest possible altitude, detecting
- last two phrases are incorrect. while mapping..., detecting... does not fit in correctly. there should have been at least a conjunction between the two. both these phrases are not modifying the sentence correctly.C) to contribute to Martian atmospheric studies, map the Martian surface from the lowest possible altitude, and detect
- seems correct, where the phrases fits well with the overall sentence structure.D) contributing to Martian atmospheric studies, mapping the Martian surface from the lowest possible altitude, and detecting
- this sentence seems close enough, but my only explanation is, the action has already taken place and the previous option fits well. I am not fully sure of this. E) contributing to Martian atmospheric studies, it had mapped the Martian surface from the lowest possible altitude, and detected
- incorrect tense usage here, especially 'had' is used incorrectlyDay 19 Question of the Verbal Contest:
Race Against the GMAT Club TimerPlease make sure to post a brief reply without revealing your solution to enter the contest!
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I think the answer is
, but it could also be
. I am waiting for OA to explain. Sorry I am just a beginner with SC.