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(A) and (E) correctly introduce the subordinate clause, which refers to 'a group of scientists'.

E has issues with parallelism -

the levels of calcium carbonate and what the types of fossilized algae

A resolves those issues -

the levels of calcium carbonate and the types of fossilized algae
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Between A and B, what made the difference and how do we choose in such cases?
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akashjain07
"It was possible for" is too long and needless. Also, in GMATland "it" needs to refer to something definite.

For more information:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/pronouns-usa ... 28522.html

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akashjain07
Between A and B, what made the difference and how do we choose in such cases?
Hi akashjain07, after determining...the Andes is what's called as present participial phrase.

Such participial phrases generally modify (describe) the word immediately next to the participial phrase. In choice B, the word immediately next to the participial phrase is "it". So, B nonsensically suggests that "it" was the person/group/entity that determined the levels of calcium carbonate.

This is clearly incorrect. "a group of scientists" actually determined the levels of calcium carbonate. Hence, A is correct.

p.s. Our book EducationAisle Sentence Correction Nirvana discusses present participial phrase, its application and examples in significant detail. If you or someone is interested, PM me your email-id; I can mail the corresponding section.
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