Question

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 defense against plant-sucking nematodes?

A) Does nitrogen fertilization 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?

Answer 1

A)

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the answers provided within the question it can be said that the answer that will provide the best starting point would be "Does nitrogen fertilization of crops affect the likelihood that Arthrobotrys will trap and kill nematodes?" This will bring up the topic of defense against plant-sucking nematodes and allow the researchers to begin coming up with ideas on the basis of this question alone.