Final answer:
The correct sentence using commas properly is: "In 2014, a cartwheeling spider was discovered, and it has inspired the creation of robots that move in novel ways." The proper use of commas includes avoiding comma splices and appropriately setting off non-essential clauses. The sentence that uses commas correctly is option a:
In 2014, a cartwheeling spider was discovered, and it has inspired the creation of robots that move in novel ways.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence that uses commas correctly is: "In 2014, a cartwheeling spider was discovered, and it has inspired the creation of robots that move in novel ways." This sentence correctly places a comma after the introductory phrase and uses a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'and' that connects two independent clauses.
When correcting sentences for proper comma usage, it's important to avoid comma splices by ensuring that two independent clauses are not joined merely by a comma without an appropriate conjunction. Additionally, we must ensure that non-essential clauses are properly set off by commas and that no commas are placed around essential information that could change the meaning of the sentence.
Commas are used to separate the introductory phrase 'In 2014' from the main clause of the sentence. They are also used to set off the nonrestrictive clause 'and it has inspired the creation of robots that move in novel ways'.
The sentence that uses commas correctly is option a:
In 2014, a cartwheeling spider was discovered, and it has inspired the creation of robots that move in novel ways.