A new species of frog was identified in a remote mountain range based on distinct coloration and call pattern. Genetic testing ______…

The passage describes a sequence: identification based on appearance and call, followed later by genetic confirmation. Subsequently correctly signals that the genetic testing came after and built on the initial identification. Nevertheless would signal the genetic testing happened despite some obstacle or contradicted the initial finding, which isn't what the passage describes, since the testing confirms instead of conflicting. Instead would suggest genetic testing replaced the original method instead of following up on it. In contrast would frame the two pieces of evidence as opposed to each other, but they align, they don't conflict.