Explanation
Correct answer: D.
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation within a sentence. This choice uses a semicolon in a conventional way to join the first main clause ("In many…rare") and the second main clause ("in some…common") in this sentence.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect. Joining the first main clause ("In many…rare") and the second main clause ("in some...common") with the conjunction "and" conflicts with the use of "however" later in the sentence, resulting in a confusing and illogical sentence.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.