A researcher collects soil samples from two different sites: Site A has a pH of 4.5 and supports fungal-dominated microbial communities. Site B has a pH of 7.2 with a highly diverse bacterial community. What is the BEST explanation for this difference in microbial diversity?

Question

Answer

Bacterial communities require high organic carbon input, which is only available in neutral pH soils.

Answer

Acidic soils (pH 4.5) select for fungi because bacteria cannot tolerate low pH conditions, while neutral pH (7.2) supports greater bacterial diversity.

Answer

Fungal spores germinate better in acidic soils, leading to the exclusion of bacteria.

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The presence of oxygen in Site A inhibits bacterial growth, favoring fungal communities.

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A researcher collects soil samples from two different sites: Site A has a pH of ...

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