10. Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 6? have confirmed that, these resilient animals, did indeed walk the earth

Answer: D

Explanation:

That these resilient animals

The best version of the underlined portion of sentence 6 is "that these resilient animals," as it provides a clear connection without unnecessary commas, ensuring the sentence flows smoothly.

A) (as it is now)

This option retains the original phrasing, which includes a comma that disrupts the natural flow of the sentence. The presence of the comma between "that" and "these" is grammatically incorrect in this context, making this option unsuitable.

B) that, these resilient animals

This choice introduces an unnecessary comma after "that," creating a pause that is not needed. It interrupts the connection between the clause and the subject, resulting in awkward phrasing that does not adhere to standard grammatical rules.

C) that these resilient animals,

While this option removes the initial comma, it incorrectly places a comma at the end of the phrase. This creates a sentence fragment and implies a continuation, which is not appropriate in this context.

D) that these resilient animals

This option provides a clear and grammatically correct phrasing by removing any unnecessary punctuation. It allows for a smooth reading experience and maintains the integrity of the sentence structure.

Conclusion

The correct answer, "that these resilient animals," effectively communicates the intended meaning without the distractions of erroneous punctuation. Options A, B, and C fail to maintain the clarity and grammatical accuracy required for effective communication, making D the superior choice in this context.