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The Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) is easily killed by the fungus Phytophthora which lives in the soil - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 4
The Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) is easily killed by the fungus Phytophthora which lives in the soil. The last small population of Wollemi Pines grows in a remote... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) is easily killed by the fungus Phytophthora which lives in the soil - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which procedure would be most effective in preventing the spread of this fungus to the Wollemi Pines?
Answer
To determine the most effective procedure, we need to consider the modes of transmission of Phytophthora and the location of the remaining Wollemi Pine population.
- Inspecting soil samples in the area (A) may help identify the presence of the fungus but does not prevent its spread.
- Commercially producing and distributing the Wollemi Pine (B) does not address the threat posed by the fungus.
- Washing soil from scientists' shoes before they walk in the area (C) effectively mitigates the risk of inadvertently carrying the fungus into the Wollemi Pine habitat, which is crucial for their protection.
- Preventing the importation of infected Wollemi Pines into Australia (D) is important but not as immediate or localized as option C.
Based on this analysis, option C is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of Phytophthora to the Wollemi Pines.