Does "which" refer back to (the Yale University team's) analysis"?

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Context:

The study, led by Yale University, USA, analyzed fossils, genes, and anatomy from 73 snake and lizard species, and suggests that snakes first evolved on land, not in the sea, which contributes to a longstanding debate. They most likely originated in the warm, forested ecosystems of the Southern Hemisphere around 128 million years ago.

More:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150519210253.htm

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Type: Question • Score: 2 • Views: 373 • Replies: 4

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View best answer, chosen by oristarA

@oristarA,

Yes, it refers to the study (specifically the analysis which is part of the study).

1 Reply

@oristarA,

oristarA wrote:

Context:

The study, led by Yale University, USA, analyzed fossils, genes, and anatomy from 73 snake and lizard species, and suggests that snakes first evolved on land, not in the sea, which contributes to a longstanding debate. They most likely originated in the warm, forested ecosystems of the Southern Hemisphere around 128 million years ago.

More:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150519210253.htm

Strictly speaking, it looks like the relative pronoun is referring to the fact that the results of the study suggest that the animals first evolved on land. That's kind of splitting hairs, though.

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@McTag,

McTag wrote:

Yes, it refers to the study (specifically the analysis which is part of the study).

So "which contributes to a longstanding debate" means "the study helps in a longstanding debate"?

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@oristarA,

Yes. (but "contributes" is better. Arguably, and depending on your point of view, it might not actually be a help. But that's kind of splitting hairs also.)

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Does "which" refer back to (the Yale University team's) analysis"?

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