2. Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 5? suggested that sauropods will have existed, on land
Answer: C
Sauropods existed, on land
The best version of the underlined portion of sentence 5 is "existed," as it accurately reflects the past existence of sauropods based on the fossil evidence discussed in the extract.
A) (as it is now)
This option is incorrect because the phrase "will have existed" implies a future perfect tense, which does not align with the context of the extract that discusses past evidence of sauropods.
B) exist,
This option is also incorrect because "exist" is in the present tense and fails to convey that sauropods lived during the past, as indicated by the fossil evidence mentioned in the extract.
C) existed,
This option is correct as it employs the past tense "existed," which corresponds with the context of the extract, stating that fossil evidence suggests sauropods lived on land for millions of years in the past.
D) will exist,
This option is incorrect because "will exist" indicates a future tense, which is inconsistent with the discussion of sauropods' past existence based on historical fossil findings.
Conclusion
The correct answer "existed" is definitive because it accurately reflects the historical context of sauropods as indicated by fossil records. All other options fail to represent the appropriate tense needed to convey the past existence of these creatures, making them unsuitable in this context.