Read the sentences.Canal systems connected Eastern factories with Western markets.Two of these were the Erie system and the Pennsylvania chain.The railroads followed similar routes.Which best combines the sentences into one clear and engaging sentence?

The Erie system and Pennsylvania chain are examples of canal systems, and the final sentence says railroads followed similar routes. Choice D keeps those ideas clear: the named systems are canals, and railroads also connected Eastern factories with Western markets. Choice B is less precise because it can make the Erie system and Pennsylvania chain sound like examples of both canals and railroads.

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