Question

read the passage. then answer the question below.
american lotus plants in a lake
in a small lake in wisconsin, aquatic plants such as water milfoil, american lotus, and water purslane grow along the shoreline. these plants help to keep the lake clean by absorbing substances that can pollute the water. the plants also provide oxygen to aquatic animals and create a habitat for fish, frogs, and insects.
many insects and small fish hide in these aquatic plants. so, the plants are a common hunting area for predatory species such as bluegill fish.
which of the following best describes a community in a small lake in wisconsin?
a school of bluegill fish
the insects, the water milfoil, and the nutrients
the water milfoil, the american lotus, and the water purslane

Explanation:

To solve this, we first recall the definition of a biological community: a group of different species living and interacting in a particular area.

Analyzing each option:

• "a school of bluegill fish": This is a population (same species), not a community.
• "the insects, the water milfoil, and the nutrients": Nutrients are abiotic (non - living), and a community consists of biotic (living) species only.
• "the water milfoil, the American lotus, and the water purslane": These are different species of aquatic plants (biotic) living in the lake, so they form a part of the lake's community (along with animals, etc., but among the options, this is the best fit as it includes multiple species).

Answer:

the water milfoil, the American lotus, and the water purslane