Question

containing the specific lead in these artifacts, but no conclusive evidence has been presented. what is intriguing is that bronze artifacts from china dated after the shang dynasty do not contain this form of lead, suggesting that ______ which choice most logically completes the text? choose 1 answer: a bronze was used for a short time during the shang dynasty before different metals were used to make artifacts. b shang dynasty bronze pieces are rare and therefore more valuable than those from other time periods. c methods used to analyze bronze artifacts are not useful on pieces that are dated after the shang dynasty. d the source of some of the raw materials used to make bronze was exploited only until the end of the shang dynasty.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The text is about lead in bronze, not about bronze usage duration or switching to other metals. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The text doesn't discuss rarity or value of bronze pieces. Eliminate B.
• Option C: The text is about lead content, not about analysis methods' usefulness. Eliminate C.
• Option D: If the specific lead is in Shang - dynasty bronze and absent later, it's logical that the raw material source (with that lead) was only used until Shang ended. This connects the lead presence/absence to raw material source.

Answer:

D. the source of some of the raw materials used to make bronze was exploited only until the end of the Shang dynasty.