16 In the mountains of Braril, Barbacenia tomentosa and Barbacenis macrantha-two plants in the Velloriacene family establish themselves on soilless, nutrient-poor patches of quartzite rock. Plant ecologists Anna Abrahão and Patricia de Britto Costa used microscopic analysis to determine that the roots of B. tomentosa and B. macrantha, which grow directly into the quartzite.have clusters of fine hairs near the root tip,further analysis indicated that these hairs secrete both malic and citric acids. The researchers hypothesize that the plants depend on dissolving underlying rock with these acids,as the process not only creates channels for continued growth but also releases phosphates that provide the vital nutrient phosphorus. Which finding, if true,would most directly support the researchers hypothesis? A) Other species in the Velloziaceae family are found in terrains with more soil but have root structures similar to those of B. tomentosa and B. macrantha. B) Though B.tomentosa and B.macrantha both secrete citric and malic acids, each species produces the acids in different proportions. C) The roots of B. tomentosa and B.macrantha carve new entry points into rocks even when cracks in the surface are readily available. D) B. tomentosa and B. macrantha thrive even when transferred to the surfaces of rocks that do not contain phosphates.