Black bears, many of them for a very long time, hibernate just like

Don't worry, people, this one isn't as tough as you may think. Just a few concepts to be familiar with when it comes to Like vs as. It took me 23 seconds to get the right answer: probably translating to a solid 45 on an actual exam.

Remember, like is used to compare nouns and as is used to compare verbs. Yep, it really is that simple when you boil it down.

Black bears, many of them for a very long time, hibernate just like groundhogs do, yet being not considered "true hibernators" because their body temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees Celsius.

A. Black bears, many of them for a very long time, hibernate just like groundhogs do, yet being

Black bears hibernate just like ground hogs do... this is comparing an action of bears with an action of ground hogs. We need an as, so this answer's out!

B. Like groundhogs, black bears hibernate, many of them for a very long time, but they are

Like A, B.... --- is a common pattern. A part of me hesitated since what follows black bears focuses directly on hibernate; but you should definitely keep this one to be safe. (This is the answer choice people)

C. Although like groundhogs black bears hibernate, many of them for a very long time, still

The first clause may require a comma between groundhogs and black bears. I eliminated this simply for the awkwardness of not having a comma there; but there is also another issue. The original sentence focuses on what bears do and why they are not considered true hibernators. In this answer choice there is a little ambiguity as to which animal is the focus of the sentence. Is it the bear that is not a true hibernator or the ground hog? Red flag raised.

D. As groundhogs, black bears hibernate, many of them for a very long time, but they are

Freebie elimination. As groundhogs, black bears hibernate.... implies that black bears hibernate by becoming ground hogs! Or that black bears are straight up ground hogs to begin with! Imagine a ground hog the size of a bear!

E. Black bears hibernate like groundhogs, many of which for a very long time hibernate but

Another freebie elimination. The like is used to clearly contrast the action hibernate.

When you see a Like vs as in the answer choices focus on that primarily. Don't worry, it may be a bit awkward in the beginning to get the hang of the difference but it becomes a lot easier with practice. I would suggest you all look at some sentences that use the two terms correctly.