The pattern of whisker spots on the face of a male lion,

[BTGmoderatorDC]

The pattern of whisker spots on the face of a male lion, like human fingerprints, are a lifelong means of identification, since they are both unique and unchanging.

(A) like human fingerprints, are a lifelong means of identification, since they are both unique and unchanging

(B) like human fingerprints, is a lifelong means of identification, since it is both unique and unchanging

(C) like human fingerprints, is a means of identification for life, being both unique and unchanging

(D) since they are both unique and unchanging, like human fingerprints, are a means of identification for life

(E) both unique and unchanging, are like human fingerprints, a lifelong means of identification

OA B

Source: GMAT Prep

[deloitte247]

This question involves the following categories, and points to ponder before solving. Pattern of whisker spots is a singular subject and requires a singular verb is.
Also, human fingerprints defines the pattern of spots not others

Option A - incorrect
The pattern can never be used with 'are'. it should, however, attract a singular verb.

Option B - correct
This sentence is well constructed and it thus follows correct parallelism and verb usage

Option C - incorrect
Here, the true meaning of the sentence have been altered and it gives a different analysis of the question.

Option D - incorrect
This suffers the same fate as option A above. The use of 'ARE' which is a second person singular verb does not correlate with 'pattern'

Option E - incorrect
The use of 'both' does not follow parallelism. Also, 'both unique and unchanging' wrongly modifies the 'pattern'