Antarctic pearlwort, a low-growing shrub with characteristic yellow flowers, is one of only two native flowering plants which in Antarctica. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? Choose 1 answer: (A) were occurring (B) occur (C) are occurring (D) will have occurred

To determine the correct choice that completes the sentence in Standard English, we need to analyze the context and the verb tense required. The sentence states that Antarctic pearlwort is one of only two native flowering plants in Antarctica. This suggests a current and ongoing state of existence. Let's evaluate the options: (A) **were occurring** - This is past tense and suggests that the plants existed in the past but may not currently exist, which does not fit the context. (B) **occur** - This is present tense and indicates that the plants currently exist, which fits the context well. (C) **are occurring** - This is present continuous tense, which implies that the action is ongoing. While it could fit, it is less direct than simply stating they "occur." (D) **will have occurred** - This is future perfect tense, indicating that the plants will exist at some point in the future, which does not fit the context. Given this analysis, the best choice is: **(B) occur** This choice clearly states that Antarctic pearlwort currently exists as one of the two native flowering plants in Antarctica.