Question

these ferns may be the first plants known to work together as ants do
jake buehler
2021
assessment questions
question 13
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:

The central idea is about ferns working together like ants, which implies they have specific roles and share resources for mutual survival. Option B best captures this concept. Option A only focuses on growth - rate in communities, Option C is about sharing resources with similar - gene ferns (not the main idea of working together), and Option D is about their relationship with other plant species (not about their mutual cooperation).

Answer:

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