by those calculations, it would have taken sauropods a century to reach their full size. a different…

by those calculations, it would have taken sauropods a century to reach their full size. a different perspective developed when scientists began to more closely examine various features of sauropod bones.\n\nlike all dinosaurs, sauropods hatched from eggs.\n\nthis rather implausible conclusion nonetheless persisted for years.\n\nfor decades, sauropods were considered emblematic of the phenomenon of extinction.\n\nsauropod fossils continue to be discovered in regions spread across the globe.

by those calculations, it would have taken sauropods a century to reach their full size. a different perspective developed when scientists began to more closely examine various features of sauropod bones.\n\nlike all dinosaurs, sauropods hatched from eggs.\n\nthis rather implausible conclusion nonetheless persisted for years.\n\nfor decades, sauropods were considered emblematic of the phenomenon of extinction.\n\nsauropod fossils continue to be discovered in regions spread across the globe.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

Sentence 11 presents an initial conclusion (sauropods taking a century to reach full size). Sentence 12 introduces a new perspective. The inserted sentence should bridge these two ideas.

  • "Like all dinosaurs, sauropods hatched from eggs." is about hatching, not related to the growth - rate conclusion - new perspective transition.
  • "This rather implausible conclusion nonetheless persisted for years." connects the initial conclusion (implausible as it may seem) with the later new perspective. It shows that the initial idea was there (persisted) before the new one came.
  • "For decades, sauropods were considered emblematic of the phenomenon of extinction." is about extinction, not relevant to the growth - rate discussion.
  • "Sauropod fossils continue to be discovered in regions spread across the globe." is about fossil discovery locations, not relevant to the growth - rate conclusion - new perspective transition.

Answer:

This rather implausible conclusion nonetheless persisted for years.