An Experimental Forest Ecosystem Is Enclosed in a Sealed Greenhouse

question 40

Multiple Choice

An experimental forest ecosystem is enclosed in a sealed greenhouse. The entire ecosystem, including the air and soil, is treated with an extremely potent fungicide that kills all fungal life stages including spores. What will probably happen next?

• A) Tree growth will increase because the dead fungi will act as a fertilizer.
• B) Plants will enjoy a long-term increase in growth and survival because of the removal of fungal pathogens.
• C) Dead organic matter will accumulate on the forest floor; plant growth will decline because of a lack of nutrients and the loss of mycorrhizal partners.
• D) A few animals will go extinct due to loss of their fungal food sources, but otherwise the forest will be largely unchanged.

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Definitions:

Causal Agent

A factor that is directly responsible for causing a certain outcome or condition, often used in the context of diseases or environmental changes.

Bile

The fluid secreted by the liver; emulsifies fats.

Gallbladder

A small organ located beneath the liver that stores and concentrates bile, a digestive enzyme produced by the liver.

Liver

A large, complex organ that secretes bile, helps maintain homeostasis by removing or adding nutrients to the blood, and performs many other metabolic functions.