[Campbell Biology P.716] According to the experiment in Figure 31.22, how do fungal endophyt... | Practice Question

According to the experiment in Figure 31.22, how do fungal endophytes affect cacao trees when a virulent pathogen Phytophthora is present?

  • A: Fungal endophytes increase both leaf mortality and leaf area damaged by *Phytophthora*.
  • B: Fungal endophytes have no significant effect on leaf mortality or damage caused by *Phytophthora*.
  • C: Fungal endophytes decrease leaf mortality and reduce the leaf area damaged by *Phytophthora*.
  • D: Fungal endophytes only reduce leaf mortality, but increase leaf area damaged by *Phytophthora*.

Explanation

The 'Results' section states, 'Fewer leaves were killed by the pathogen in seedlings with fungal endophytes than in seedlings without endophytes. Among leaves that survived, pathogens damaged less of the leaf surface area in seedlings with endophytes than in seedlings without endophytes.' This is directly supported by the graphs.