Question

the deepwater horizon oil spill of 2010 had devastating effects on ecosystems in the gulf of mexico at the time it happened. a new study by giovanna mcclenachan and r. eugene turner suggests that the negative effects of the spill are still ongoing ten years later, especially as they relate to shoreline loss. turner found that there was a 50% loss of soil strength in coastal louisiana wetlands, which, eight years on, had failed to recover. which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? a in particular b in contrast c on the other hand d despite that

Explanation:

The text first mentions the overall negative effects of the oil - spill, then focuses on the specific case of shoreline loss and soil strength loss in coastal Louisiana wetlands. "In particular" is used to single out a specific aspect within a broader topic. "In contrast" shows a difference, "On the other hand" also presents an alternative or opposite view, and "Despite that" indicates a contrast between expectations and reality. Here, we need a phrase to narrow down to a specific part of the overall effects, so "In particular" is the most appropriate.

Answer:

A. In particular