Sentence Correction

Echidnas, which probably evolved from a platypus-like ancestor, appear similar to South American anteaters at first glance, but their genetic makeup is divergent from every other species of mammal; they lay clutches of leathery eggs rather than giving birth to live young like true anteaters.

A is divergent from every other species of mammal; they lay
B is divergent from every other species of mammal, laying
C is divergent from that of every other species of mammal; they lay
D diverges from every other species of mammal in laying
E diverges from that of every other species of mammal, laying

How does the semicolon factor in here? Is it in use to prevent a run on sentence?

I think semicolon functions as separate idea but parallel sentences. In this case, the sentence after semicolon is explanation of the first one so I don't think semicolon is necessary.

Is it E?

amontobin wrote:Echidnas, which probably evolved from a platypus-like ancestor, appear similar to South American anteaters at first glance, but their genetic makeup is divergent from every other species of mammal; they lay clutches of leathery eggs rather than giving birth to live young like true anteaters.

A is divergent from every other species of mammal; they lay
B is divergent from every other species of mammal, laying
C is divergent from that of every other species of mammal; they lay
D diverges from every other species of mammal in laying
E diverges from that of every other species of mammal, laying

How does the semicolon factor in here? Is it in use to prevent a run on sentence?