D. gerund phrase as a direct object
Gerund is one of three kinds of verbals. Like all verbals, gerunds are nouns derived from verbs. Gerunds end in -ing. In the sentence, "leading" is the gerund. This gerund phrase is used as the direct object.
Pathos (he uses emotionally charged words like “unspeakable horrors” and “victim”)
I'd say C, "The acrylic pods are created in many sizes, including big, small, and medium, as well as other sizes needed by the scientists; they are connected to the seafloor by chains and float some distance below the surface, so the plants are not destroyed by storms."
Is there supposed to be a photo with this or?