About 1.5 million species of fungi exist on Earth. They act as nature’s decomposers. These organisms break down matter and release enzymes and acids that unlock nutrients for plants and soil organisms. You may be familiar with macrofungi, a type of fungus that includes mushrooms. But for the most part, fungi exist as mycelia, tiny threads that snake underground in billions of interconnected threads. They twist and twine with tree root systems, helping tress obtain crucial nutrients. Mycologists call these networks of mycelia "Earth’s nervous system."

Question

Which statement best identifies the central idea of the paragraph?

(1 point)
Responses

Earth's many species of fungi act as decomposers of matter.
Earth's many species of fungi act as decomposers of matter.

Fungi exist as a web of threads connected underground.
Fungi exist as a web of threads connected underground.

The type of fungus called macrofungi includes mushrooms.
The type of fungus called macrofungi includes mushrooms.

Fungi bring nutrients to tree root systems when they twine with them underground.

Answer 1

The statement that best identifies the central idea of the paragraph is:

Earth's many species of fungi act as decomposers of matter.

This captures the broader role that fungi play in the ecosystem as decomposers, which is the main focus of the paragraph.