Question

which statement best identifies the central idea of the article? a. staghorn ferns grow more quickly in communities than they do independently. b. staghorn ferns have specific duties and share resources to help each other survive. c. staghorn ferns only share resources with other staghorn ferns that possess the same genes. d. staghorn ferns grow on other species of plants from which they get their water and nutrients.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The passage (not fully shown, but from typical staghorn fern info) doesn’t focus on growth speed in communities vs. independently. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Staghorn ferns (epiphytes) often form colonies where they have roles (e.g., some absorb water, others nutrients) and share resources (like water, minerals) to survive. This aligns with their symbiotic/community behavior.
• Option C: They don’t only share with same - gene ferns; they interact with a community of ferns (not limited by genes). Eliminate C.
• Option D: While they grow on other plants, they don’t “get” water/nutrients from the host (they get from air/rain/decomposing matter). The host is just support. So D misrepresents their resource acquisition.

Answer:

B. Staghorn ferns have specific duties and share resources to help each other survive.