Explanation
Correct answer: A.
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. A main clause requires a finite (tensed) verb to perform the action of the subject (in this case, Nery and her colleagues), and this choice supplies the finite past tense verb "published" to indicate that these biologists shared their findings about changes in whale genes associated with body size.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite participle "publishing" doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite participle "having published" doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite to-infinitive "to publish" doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.