What is the function of the dot operator $(.)$ in method chaining?

Group of answer choices

The dot operator indicates that the chain has ended, like a period in an English sentence.

The dot operator is used within the parameter list of a method to indicate missing parameters.

When the dot operator separates expressions the return value $($output$)$ of the left expression becomes the first argument $($input$)$ for the expression on the right.

The dot operator is used to let python know that the whitespace that immediately follows should be ignored.