When analyzing the collapse of the Classic Maya civilization, ______ have overlooked the significant role of prolonged drought in destabilizing the agricultural base.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
many archaeologists have focused on warfare but
warfare has been the focus of many archaeologists, who
there are many archaeologists who have focused on warfare, and they
the focus of many archaeologists has been on warfare; they
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. It correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. The first clause ("the focus...warfare") states a fact, and the second ("they have overlooked...") explains the consequence. The subject "they" logically refers back to "archaeologists."
Choice A is incorrect because using "but" without a comma in this structure could result in a run-on or awkward phrasing, though the main issue often cited is the lack of clear separation between the contrasting ideas compared to the semicolon. Choice B is incorrect because "who have overlooked..." creates a relative clause, leaving the main sentence without a resolution to the introductory phrase. Choice C is incorrect because "and they" creates a redundant and clunky sentence structure.