Question

Which of the following correctly punctuates the sentence?

a. Some plant species have spines to protect themselves, or use chemical deterrents to repel
insects.
b. Some plant species have spines to protect themselves or use chemical deterrents to repel
insects.
c. Some plant species have spines to protect themselves; or use chemical deterrents to repel
insects.
d. Some plant species have spines to protect or themselves, use chemical deterrents to repel
insects.

Answer 1

The correctly punctuated sentence is option b, which does not require a comma or semicolon before the 'or' as it is part of a compound predicate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct way to punctuate the sentence is: Some plant species have spines to protect themselves or use chemical deterrents to repel insects. This version correctly conjoins two related actions that some plant species use to protect themselves without the need for a comma or semicolon because they are part of a compound predicate that shares the same subject. Plants engage in various defense mechanisms, including mechanical defenses like thorns and spines, and chemical defenses such as toxins that are harmful to animals and insects attempting to consume them.