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Use the Following Information to Answer the Question

question 60

Multiple Choice

Use the following information to answer the question.
There is much discussion in the media about protecting biodiversity. But does biodiversity really matter? Canadian and Swiss researchers wanted to know if the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was important to the productivity of grasslands (M.G.A. van der Heijden, J. N. Klironomos, M. Ursic, P. Moutoglis, R. Streitwolf-Engel, T. Boler, A. Wiemken, and I. R. Sanders. 1998. Mycorrhizal fungal diversity determines plant biodiversity, ecosystem variability, and productivity. Nature 396:69-72) . Specifically, they wanted to know if it mattered which specific AMF species were present, or just that some type of AMF was present. They grew various plants in combination with one of four AMF species (A, B, C, and D) , no AMF species (O) , or all four AMF species together (A + B + C + D) ; and they measured plant growth under each set of conditions. All plant species were grown in each plot, so they always competed with each other, with the only difference being which AMF species were present.
On the graphs, the x-axis labels indicate the number and identity of AMF species (bar 0 = no fungi; bars A - D = individual AMF species; bar A + B + C + D = all AMF species together) . The y-axis indicates the amount (grams) of plant biomass for the species shown in italics above each graph.

Based on the van der Heijden et al. (1998) graphs in the figure, which of the following is the best description of the data supporting the idea that a plant species did not form mycorrhizae with a fungus? Its biomass is greatest when ________.

Definitions:

Dairying People

Groups or cultures that specialize in the production and processing of milk and milk products for consumption.

Obese

A medical condition characterized by excess body fat that presents significant health risks, including diabetes, heart disease, and various types of cancer.

Linguistically Linked

Having a connection or relationship through language, often referring to how different languages or dialects can influence one another or how language ties individuals to cultural identities.

Cultural Connections

The relationships, shared experiences, or commonalities between different cultures that facilitate understanding and interaction.