Explanation
Correct answer: D.
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. The sentence’s subject is “Aslanian’s macroanalysis,” and its finite main verb is “shows.” This choice correctly uses the nonfinite present participle “examining” to form an integrated participial phrase (“examining...1800”) that describes the macroanalysis, indicating what it examined.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because using the finite verb “examined” creates an ungrammatical sentence. The sentence already has the finite main verb “shows,” so “examined” can’t also function as a second main verb here without additional punctuation or conjunctions.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because using the finite verb “examines” creates an ungrammatical sentence. The sentence already has the finite main verb “shows,” so “examines” can’t also function as a second main verb here without additional punctuation or conjunctions.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because using the finite verb “had examined” creates an ungrammatical sentence. The sentence already has the finite main verb “shows,” so “had examined” can’t also function as a second main verb here without additional punctuation or conjunctions.