Question

Microorganisms act upon the dead plants to produce

• A. Sand
• B. Mushrooms
• C. Humus
• D. Wood

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Humus

The correct option is C.

Explanation of correct option

1. To generate humus, microorganisms decompose dead plants.
2. Many microbes, including algae and amoeba, break down dead plants and animals to generate a range of products, including humus.
3. Humus provides higher plants with nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur; it improves structure, drainage, and aeration; it promotes water-holding, buffering, and exchange capacity; it aids in the breakdown of silicate minerals, and it provides energy for microorganism growth and development.

Explanation of incorrect options

Option A

1. It's a loose granular substance made up of particles smaller than gravel but coarser than silt used in mortar, glass, abrasives, and foundry molds.

Option B

1. A mushroom, often known as a toadstool, is a fungus' fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body that grows above ground, on soil, or on its food supply.
2. Mushrooms are made up of fungal spores that flourish in moist, dark environments.

Option D

1. The hard fibrous substance that makes up the majority of the stems, branches, and roots of trees and shrubs beneath the bark is present in a limited amount in herbaceous plants and is mainly made up of the xylem.

Final answer: Microorganisms act upon dead plants to produce humus.