Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the highlighted words in the given sentence.
The software was developed in a team of experts and tested by users before its release.

Correct option is C

The correct substitution of the highlighted words is (c) by.
Explanation: The correct preposition with passive verbs like "was developed" is “by” to indicate the doer of the action. “In a team” is incorrect when the subject is passive and the agent needs to be specified.
Grammatical rule used: In passive voice, “by” introduces the agent.
Example: The project was completed by the engineering team.
�� Information Booster:
Always use "by" in passive constructions to denote the agent or performer of the action.