- A They are sometimes mistakenly thought to cause widespread root-rot disease across most cultivated crop species
- B They enhance plant nutrient uptake (especially P) and improve soil structure; used in agriculture
- C They are sometimes mistakenly thought to survive mainly as saprophytic decomposers of dead plant litter
- D They are sometimes mistakenly thought to be uniformly pathogenic, damaging the root systems of host plants
Correct answer: B. They enhance plant nutrient uptake (especially P) and improve soil structure; used in agriculture
Explanation: Mycorrhizal fungi (ecto- and endomycorrhizae/arbuscular mycorrhizae) form mutualistic associations with ~90% of plant species. They dramatically increase phosphorus uptake, improve drought resistance, and are essential for forest ecosystems. Used as biofertilizers.
Concept context
Classification of plants from algae to angiosperms. Understanding plant diversity is essential for NEET.