Question

which quotation from the article provides the best evidence that staghorn ferns are most likely eusocial?
a. \a mass of strange ferns embraces a trunk high among the treetops. they look like a giant tangle of floppy, green antlers.\ (paragraph 1)

b. \eusocial has been used to describe certain societies of insects and crustaceans, along with two species of mole rats.\ (paragraph 7)

c. \these ferns appear to form a complex society made up of interdependent groups.\ (paragraph 8)

d. \ferns reproduce via spores, which form on the underside of leaf - like fronds.\ (paragraph 9)

Explanation:

To determine the best evidence that staghorn ferns are eusocial, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Describes the appearance of the ferns, not their social behavior. Eliminate.
• Option B: Defines eusocial for other species, not related to ferns' eusociality. Eliminate.
• Option C: States the ferns form a complex society of interdependent groups, which aligns with eusocial (social organization with interdependence). This is relevant.
• Option D: Explains fern reproduction, not social behavior. Eliminate.

Answer:

C. "These ferns appear to form a complex society made up of interdependent groups." (Paragraph 8)