To create the hybrid fruit known as a "pluot," geneticists cross-pollinate a plum and an _______ roughly 75 percent plum and 25 percent apricot.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
apricot
apricot,
apricot;
apricot:
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The phrase "roughly 75 percent plum and 25 percent apricot" describes the composition of the pluot. A comma is used to set off this trailing appositive phrase from the rest of the sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because it creates a run-on effect without punctuation. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses, but the second part is a fragment. Choice D is incorrect because a colon is typically used to introduce a list or explanation, but the structure here flows better as a descriptive appositive with a comma.