How is the underlined gerund phrase used in the sentence?
they heard the poodle's barking from the yard.

a. predicate nominative
b. object of a preposition
c. direct object
d. subject

the correct answer will be d or c for me it may be different

because they were not just any seashells they were sally's seashells

in the 1890s, southern states enacted a new form of black codes, called “jim crow” laws. these laws made it illegal for blacks and whites to share public facilities. this meant that blacks and whites had to use separate schools, hospitals, libraries, restaurants, hotels, bathrooms, and drinking fountains.

explanation: