Persevering Plants

Which characteristic of the geothermal vents made the survival of nearby plants so surprising?

• The depth of the holes

• The heat they generate

• The number of them that exist

• The amount of pressure they release

How do the photograph and caption after paragraph 4 help the reader better understand the selection?

• They explain how endophytes work to help plants.

• They demonstrate the effect endophytes can have on plants.

• They illustrate what kinds of plants endophytes can help.

• They show the conditions against which endophytes can protect plants.

How are paragraphs 2 through 4 organized?

• They compare the plants Rodriguez collected to the endophytes living on the plants.

• They describe the steps Rodriguez followed while researching plants in his laboratory.

• They explain the problem Rodriguez was trying to solve based on his observations.

• They describe the structure of the plants Rodriguez collected from a harsh environment.

What is paragraph 1 mostly about?

• The unusual conditions in which some plants can survive

• The occurrence of geothermal vents in several western states

• The way geothermal vents release pressure in the form of steam

• The types of plants that microbiologists have observed at a national park

An idea emphasized throughout the selection is that Rodriguez’s endophyte solution —

• can improve plant life in national parks

• eliminates the need to water plants regularly

• will allow farmers to plant crops regardless of the season

• can restore a plant’s natural resistance to the effects of a harsh climate