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Difficulty: EasyCommand of Evidence: Textual

Companion planting is the agricultural practice of growing different crop species in close proximity to benefit one or both plants. Some researchers hypothesize that planting marigolds (*Tagetes*) alongside tomato plants (*Solanum lycopersicum*) protects the tomatoes from root-knot nematodes—microscopic pests that damage tomato root systems and reduce fruit yields. To test this hypothesis, the researchers compared tomato plants grown in fields with marigolds to tomato plants grown in fields without marigolds.

Which choice, if true, would most directly support the researchers' hypothesis?

  1. Tomato plants grown in fields with marigolds had significantly fewer root-knot nematode infections and produced more fruit than tomato plants grown in fields without marigolds.Answer
  2. B
    Marigolds grown in fields with tomato plants attracted a wider variety of pollinating insects than marigolds grown in fields without tomato plants.
  3. C
    Root-knot nematodes are capable of surviving in agricultural soil for several years even in the absence of tomato plants.
  4. D
    Tomato plants grown in fields without marigolds suffered the same rate of root-knot nematode damage as those grown in fields with marigolds.

Answer

Tomato plants grown in fields with marigolds had significantly fewer root-knot nematode infections and produced more fruit than tomato plants grown in fields without marigolds.
The correct answer directly supports the hypothesis by providing empirical evidence of the protective effect: tomato plants interplanted with marigolds had fewer root-knot nematode infections and higher crop yields than those grown without marigolds.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the researchers' hypothesis in the passage.
The hypothesis is that planting marigolds alongside tomato plants protects the tomatoes from root-knot nematodes.
To evaluate which choice supports the hypothesis, we must first define the specific relationship being claimed.
2
Analyze each option to see if it demonstrates that marigolds reduce nematode damage or improve tomato health compared to growing tomatoes alone.
Only the option discussing fewer nematode infections and higher fruit yield in tomatoes grown with marigolds directly connects the presence of marigolds to reduced nematode damage.
Supporting evidence must show a positive outcome for the tomatoes (fewer infections/more fruit) specifically when grown with marigolds.

Key Concept

Command of Evidence: Textual
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Command of Evidence: Textual

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