Fungi of the phylum basidiomycota form mycorrhizal associations with orchids, a type of flowering plant. how do these associations benefit both the fungi and the orchids? a. the orchids receive water and oxygen from the fungi, while the fungi receive food and minerals from the orchids. b. the orchids produce decaying material for the fungi, while the fungi provide structural support to the orchids. c. the orchids release enzymes to break down sugar for the fungi, while the fungi fertilizes the soil surrounding the plant. d. the orchids gain nutrients and carbon dioxide from the fungi, while the fungi gain oxygen and sugar from the orchids.

The correct answer is option D.

Explanation:

Orchid is a flowering plant which forms the mycorrhizal associations with the fungi.

The association is formed between Basidiomycota phylum of fungi especially Rhizoctonia species with the seeds and roots of orchids.

After the seeds are released and land on suitable substratum, they are colonized by the fungi. Associated fungi supply nutrients and energy to the orchid plant seeds and during developmental stages as seeds can degrade and digest the hyphae of the fungi while fungi receive sugar from the plants once they become established.

Thus, option D is the correct answer.

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