Archaeologists have discovered mysterious geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert. The purpose of these massive designs remains a subject of debate.
Which choice most effectively combines the two sentences at the underlined portion?
Desert; the reasoning behind the creation of these designs is a subject of debate.
Desert; consequently, the purpose of these massive designs remains a subject of debate.
Desert, but the purpose of these massive designs remains a subject of debate.
Desert; however, the purpose of these massive designs remains a subject of debate among archaeologists.
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. It uses the coordinating conjunction "but" to contrast the discovery of the geoglyphs with the uncertainty surrounding their purpose, creating a balanced sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because the semicolon connects two independent clauses, but the phrasing is wordy ("the reasoning behind the creation"). Choice B is incorrect because "consequently" implies a cause-and-effect relationship (discovery causes debate) rather than a contrast. Choice D is incorrect because "however" with a semicolon is grammatically correct but "among archaeologists" makes the sentence longer without adding necessary meaning.