Use the paragraph to answer the question.

Question

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."

Which statement best identifies the central idea of the paragraph?

(1 point)
Responses

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

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

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

The type of fungus called macrofungi includes mushrooms.

Answer 1

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

Fungi exist as a web of threads connected underground.

This captures the essence of how fungi function in nature, specifically their role in forming interconnected mycelial networks underground that support tree root systems and contribute to nutrient cycling.

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

The statement "Earth's many species of fungi act as decomposers of matter" is also a strong candidate for identifying a central idea of the paragraph, as it highlights an important role that fungi play in ecosystems. However, the paragraph emphasizes the interconnected underground networks of mycelia and their relationship with tree roots more prominently.

While both statements reflect significant points made in the paragraph, "Fungi exist as a web of threads connected underground" closely aligns with the primary focus on those networks and their ecological importance.

Thus, both statements are valid, but if you need to choose the one that captures the overarching theme presented in the paragraph, "Fungi exist as a web of threads connected underground" would still be the better choice.