Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
that
B
it
C
they
D
he
Explanation
Correct answer: C.
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is pronoun-antecedent agreement. The plural pronoun "they" agrees in number with the plural antecedent "animals," which refers to tardigrades.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because the singular pronoun "that" doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent "animals."
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because the singular pronoun "it" doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent "animals."
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the singular pronoun "he" doesn’t agree in number with the plural antecedent "animals."