The question is incomplete. The complete question is:
We would expect the greatest difference in plant health between two groups of plants of the same species, one group with mycorrhizae and one group without mycorrhizae, in an environment _____.
A) where nitrogen-fixing bacteria are abundant.
B) that has soil with poor drainage.
C) that has hot summers and cold winters.
D) in which the soil is relatively deficient in mineral nutrients.
E) that is near a body of water, such as a pond or river.
Answer:
D) in which the soil is relatively deficient in mineral nutrients.
Explanation:
Mycorrhizae are mutualistic associations between fungi and the roots of plants. The fungus grows around and into the root and into the surrounding soil. The fungus absorbs essential minerals, especially phosphorus, from the soil for the plant. The plant provides the organic nutrients produced by photosynthesis to the fungus. Therefore, the plants with mycorrhizae exhibit better growth in mineral deficient soil than the plants without mycorrhizae.
