Question

Female sparrows and immatures are quite nondescript compared to the adult male sparrow's distinctive and conspicuous markings: a black bib, a gray cap, and white lines trailing down from the mouth.

• A. the adult male sparrow's
• B. those of adult males, their
• C. the adult male, which has
• D. adult males' markings
• E. adult males, whose

Hint:

Use the possessive form to indicate ownership or characteristics attributed to a specific subject, especially when comparing traits.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Identifying the subject of comparison.
The sentence compares female sparrows and immatures to adult male sparrows based on their markings. The comparison involves possession of the distinctive markings by the adult male sparrow. The possessive form is required here.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) the adult male sparrow's: Correct. This option correctly uses the possessive form "adult male sparrow's" to indicate that the markings belong to the adult male sparrow.
- (B) those of adult males, their: Incorrect. This structure is awkward and creates ambiguity.
- (C) the adult male, which has: Incorrect. The phrase "which has" creates unnecessary complexity and is less fluid.
- (D) adult males' markings: Incorrect. While this could work, it sounds less precise compared to (A). The possessive "sparrow's" is more appropriate here.
- (E) adult males, whose: Incorrect. This option uses an incomplete clause and is grammatically awkward.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) the adult male sparrow's.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(A) \, \text{the adult male sparrow's.}} \]