[Campbell Biology P.721] Based on the "SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY" table, what is the effect of the ... | Practice Question

Based on the "SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY" table, what is the effect of the Curvularia endophyte on plant mass and the number of new shoots in Dichanthelium lanuginosum grass at 40°C?

  • A: Curvularia (E+) significantly increases both plant mass and new shoots compared to E- plants.
  • B: Curvularia (E+) has no noticeable effect on plant mass but increases new shoots.
  • C: Curvularia (E+) decreases plant mass but increases new shoots.
  • D: Curvularia (E+) only benefits plant growth at lower temperatures (30-35°C).

Explanation

At 40°C, the plant mass for E- plants is 8.8g with 10 new shoots, while for E+ plants with Curvularia , the plant mass is 22.2g with 37 new shoots. This clearly indicates a significant increase in both parameters due to the presence of the endophyte.