Some Nematode Worms Suck Plant Juices from the Roots of Plants

question 28

Multiple Choice

Some nematode worms suck plant juices from the roots of plants and are economically important agricultural pests. Some fungi are usually decomposers of plant material, but some trap and kill nematodes at times. Arthrobotrys traps and kills nematodes, especially when they lack nitrogen sources. These two facts suggest that farmers could find Arthrobotrys an important tool in combating nematode infestations. Which of the following research questions would make a good starting point for developing such a defence against plant-sucking nematodes?

• A) Does nitrogen fertilisation of crops affect the likelihood that Arthrobotrys will trap and kill nematodes?
• B) Do nitrogen-fixing bacteria provide nitrogen to the fungi?
• C) What is the evolutionarily oldest method of trapping nematodes?
• D) What mechanisms do nematodes have that could allow them to escape from Arthrobotrys?

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Definitions:

Productive Individuals

People who are consistently able to achieve high output within the expected timeframes, contributing significantly to their teams or projects.

Dominant Responses

The most common or likely reactions individuals exhibit in a given situation, often influenced by past experiences, instincts, or social norms.

Nondominant Responses

Reactions or actions that are not the most common or typical in a given situation, often requiring more cognitive effort.

Productivity

The measure of the efficiency of a person, machine, system, etc., in converting inputs into useful outputs.