Modifier Doubt

In the past several years, astronomers have detected more than 80 massive planets, most of them as large or larger than Jupiter, which circle other stars.

A) most of them as large or larger than Jupiter, which circle
B) most of them as large or larger than Jupiter and circling
C) most of them at least as large as Jupiter, circling
D) mostly at least as large as Jupiter, which circle
E) mostly as large or larger than Jupiter, circling

GMATGuruNY wrote:When posting an SC, please underline the relevant portion and use the spoiler function to hide the OA.

In the past several years, astronomers have detected more than 80 massive planets, most of them as large or larger than Jupiter, which circle other stars.

A) most of them as large or larger than Jupiter, which circle
B) most of them as large or larger than Jupiter and circling
C) most of them at least as large as Jupiter, circling
D) mostly at least as large as Jupiter, which circle
E) mostly as large or larger than Jupiter, circling

In A, B and E, as large must be followed by another as.
Correct idiom: X is as large as Y.
Eliminate A, B and E.

D: mostly at least as large as Jupiter
Here, MOSTLY as large as Jupiter implies ALMOST as large as Jupiter, while AT LEAST as large as Jupiter implies AS LARGE AS Jupiter or LARGER THAN Jupiter.
Since the two meanings contradict each other, eliminate D.

The correct answer is C.

In the past several years, astronomers have detected more than 80 massive planets, most of them at least as large as Jupiter, circling other stars

Mo2men wrote:Dear Mitch

What about 'circling'in OA: C? It is VERBing modifier but does it modify 'most of them'or 'Jupiter'? should not VERBing modifier refer to agent of preceding independent clause? Here 'most of them.....' is not independent clause.

Can you please elaborate the case above??

thanks