Question

1. select the best evidence to support the statement that fungi play an important role in disposing of decaying material in conifer forests
2. vast forests of pines, firs, spruces, and other needle - leaved, cone - bearing trees often lack bright colors - apart from bright fungi dotting the carpet of fallen needles.

in a thick conifer forest, the year - round layer of evergreen leaves high above casts a permanent shade on the ground. the fallen needles decay slowly and contain a lot of acid. so, compared to broad - leaved woods, there are few bushes, ferns, mosses, and flowers....
fungi are detritivores, also called scavengers or saprobes. they feed on dead and decaying matter known as detritus. in conifer woods, fungi recycle more than 80 percent of all once - living material. other detritivores, such as worms, millipedes, insects, and microscopic bacteria, recycle the rest.

Explanation:

To support the statement about fungi's role in disposing decaying material in conifer forests, we need evidence showing fungi's action on detritus. The text "Fungi are detritivores... In conifer woods, fungi recycle more than 80 percent of all once - living material" directly states fungi's role in recycling (disposing) decaying matter in conifer forests. The other parts describe the forest environment or appearance, not fungi's disposal role.

Answer:

Fungi are detritivores, also called scavengers or saprobes. They feed on dead and decaying matter known as detritus. In conifer woods, fungi recycle more than 80 percent of all once - living material. Other detritivores, such as worms, millipedes, insects, and microscopic bacteria, recycle the rest.