Which organism is a microscopic roundworm that damages plant roots?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Nematodes
• C. Fungi
• D. Viruses

Answer: (B)

Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic roundworms that live in soil and attack plant roots. They feed on root tissue, causing damage that disrupts water and nutrient uptake, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and poor yield. You can often see symptoms like galls or lesions on the roots where these worms have fed.

Bacteria, fungi, and viruses are different kinds of plant pathogens. Bacteria are single-celled organisms, not worms. Fungi include molds and yeasts with filamentous growth and spores, not roundworms. Viruses are tiny infectious particles that require a host cell and don’t have the worm form or root-feeding behavior. So the description fits nematodes, the microscopic roundworms that damage plant roots.