Re: VR, 2ed, Q # 59

Hello,

Could you please help me understand the below ? two questions.

Certain pesticides can become ineffective if used repeatedly in the same place; on reason is suggested by the finding that there are much larger populations of pesticide-degrading microbes in soils with a relatively long history of pesticide use than in soils that are free of such chemicals.

I broke down this questions into its repective clauses correctly as below:

Certain pesticides can become ineffective if used repeatedly in the same place;

on reason is suggested by the finding

that there are much larger populations of pesticide-degrading microbes in soils with a relatively long history of pesticide use than in soils

that are free of such chemicals.

1) the first that clause, I agree it modifies the finding and because of that reason I thought it was incorrect because isn't the finding singular so why I have the verb are here? I know the article there is here to complement the verb are, but there are is still refering to the finding ? My main issue is that relative clause that is refering to the finding and i thought it should be singular

2. why is E incorrect ? per the OG explanation, it is not clear what the finding is refering to. Insn't finding refering to what is coming right after ? a much larger populaton of pesticide-.... I chose E since I thought it was more concise.

please help me clear my thoughts. I did this question twice and chose the same wrong answer E.