Question

complete the text with the detail that most logically develops the narrative.

in 2020, paleontologists in northeastern russia made a thrilling discovery: the well-preserved remains of a saber-toothed tiger cub. despite being nearly thirty-two thousand years old, the mummified feline offered a detailed glimpse at what these prehistoric creatures once looked like. thanks to the regions permafrost, the layer of soil that stays frozen all year long, most of the animals physical features were intact. ______

unlike adult saber-toothed tigers, which were about the size of modern-day lions, the cub found in 2020 was small enough to fit in the palm of a persons hand. after analyzing its measurements, paleontologists estimated that the tiger was about three weeks old.

while these creatures are called saber-toothed tigers, this specimen and others like it arent directly related to modern tigers.

the tiger is thought to be part of a group of now-extinct cats that also lived in parts of north america and africa.

as rising global temperatures have continued to melt russias permafrost, similar discoveries have been found in the area.

this afforded scientists an opportunity to study its soft brown fur, facial structure, skin, toes, claws, and paw pads.

Explanation:

The preceding text emphasizes that the permafrost kept most of the cub's physical features intact. The correct option directly expands on this by listing the specific intact physical features, creating a logical flow to the subsequent details about the cub's size and age. The other options introduce unrelated tangents about taxonomy, geographic range, or other discoveries, which do not follow the focus on the cub's preserved physical traits.

Answer:

This afforded scientists an opportunity to study its soft brown fur, facial structure, skin, toes, claws, and paw pads.