Question

plants in the desert, such as the yucca tree below, tend to have very wide root structures. some yucca tree roots have been known to stretch more than 10 meters away from the trunk. the plant does this so that it can have access to as much of the water that falls in that area as possible. which of the following best explains why yucca trees rarely grow close to other large plants in the desert? ○a. they compete with other large plants for sunlight. ○b. they compete with other large plants for land. ○c. they are able to share water with nearby plants. ○d. staying far away from other large plants keeps them cool.

Explanation:

The text mentions that yucca trees have wide root structures to access as much water as possible. If they grow close to other large plants, there would be competition for water. Option A (competing for sunlight) is not mentioned in the context of root structure and water access. Option C (sharing water) is contrary to the idea of wide - root structures for individual water access. Option D (staying cool) is not related to the root - water access explanation. Option B (competing for land which is related to root space for water access) is more in line with the root - water access concept.

Answer:

B. They compete with other large plants for land.