Final answer:
Hyperaccumulators are most useful in areas that require remediation from toxic chemicals. They excel in absorbing and managing these substances, which makes them ideal for locations such as former garbage dumps where soil contamination is an issue. The correct option is (c) a former garbage dump.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hyperaccumulators are a special group of plants that can thrive in environments with high concentrations of metals or other chemicals that are generally toxic to other plants. This remarkable ability makes them particularly suitable for the process called phytoremediation, where plants are used to remove, stabilize, or destroy contaminants in the soil. Therefore, it is most useful to plant hyperaccumulators in contaminated areas that require remediation.
Looking at the options provided, the correct answer would be a former garbage dump, where many toxic chemicals linger in the soil. This location would benefit from hyperaccumulators because these plants can uptake the hazardous substances, potentially reducing the toxicity and helping to restore the land to a healthier state. This is an essential service in the context of environmental conservation and public health.
The other options, while indicative of challenging environments for plant growth, do not specifically describe scenarios where soil contamination by toxic chemicals is a primary issue. A farm overused with fertilizer, a mountaintop with poor soil quality, and a backyard garden alongside sunflowers do not inherently imply a pressing need for toxic chemical remediation that hyperaccumulators could provide.
The correct option for where it might be useful to plant hyperaccumulators is c. a former garbage dump, where many toxic chemicals linger in the soil.