Botanists recognize over fifty different species of sunflower, and variance exists even in those species. One species, the silverleaf sunflower, an early-flowering ecotype that tends to grow in coastal areas and a late- flowering ecotype that grows inland. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? Choose 1 answer: (A) encompassing (B) to encompass (C) encompasses (D) having encompassed

To determine the correct choice that completes the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English, we need to analyze the sentence structure and the context in which the word will be used. The sentence discusses the silverleaf sunflower and its two ecotypes. The phrase that needs completion likely requires a verb form that fits grammatically with the rest of the sentence. 1. **(A) encompassing** - This is a present participle and could work in some contexts, but it doesn't fit well here as it would create a dangling modifier. 2. **(B) to encompass** - This is an infinitive form and could work, but it may not fit the flow of the sentence as well as other options. 3. **(C) encompasses** - This is a simple present tense verb. It fits well in the context, suggesting that the silverleaf sunflower includes both ecotypes. 4. **(D) having encompassed** - This is a perfect participle, which implies that the action has been completed. It doesn't fit the context of describing the current state of the sunflower species. Given the context, the best choice is: **(C) encompasses** This choice maintains the present tense and clearly indicates that the silverleaf sunflower includes both the early-flowering and late-flowering ecotypes.