GMAT Sentence Correction (SC) | Re: Combining enormous physical strength with higher intelligenc

Chose E over B. Logic behind choosing ???
(B) appear to have been equipped to face any obstacle the environment could put in their path, - (appear ??? Present Tense. It should be past)
(E) appeared to have been equipped for facing any obstacle the environment could put in their path, - (appeared ??? Past Tense, thus Correct)
Chose the Past Tense ,since probable appearance of Neanderthals is in Past. Can anyone please clarify why B is correct ??
Thnx in advnace

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