Peromyscus maniculatus, more commonly known as the deer mouse, is a small and versatile rodent that can thrive in virtually any environment that is the most populous mammal inhabiting the North American continent.
(A) environment that is the most populous mammal inhabiting
(B) environment that is the most populous mammal to inhabit
(C) environment, which is the most populous mammal to inhabit
(D) environment and being the most populous mammal inhabiting
(E) environment and is the most populous mammal to inhabit
Scroll down for the answer.
Answer: E
Misplaced Modifier, Parallel Structure
The original version contains a misplaced modifier: this answer implies that any environment is the most populous mammal in North America when in fact that description must apply to the deer mouse. (B) and (C) create the same problem. In (D), the gerund being is not parallel to the verb can, so this answer is incorrect as well. That leaves (E), which eliminates the misplaced modification and provides the verb is to maintain parallel structure (is…can…is).
