Which of the following statements about mycorrhizae is false?
I. In ectomycorrhizae, association between the fungus and plant is less intimate than in endomycorrhizae
II. The mycorrhizal association of fungus and the plant may have had importance in the evolution of land plant
III. The mycorrhizal association is a mutualistic symbiosis
IV. Fungal partner is associated with the only roots of the higher plants (like angiosperms)
V. Only advanced modern plants such as angiosperms possess mycorrhizae

Options

A. Only V
B. Only IV
C. Only I and III
D. Only II and V

Answer

To determine which statement about mycorrhizae is false, we will analyze each statement one by one.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Statement I**: "In ectomycorrhizae, association between the fungus and plant is less intimate than in endomycorrhizae."
- **Analysis**: This statement is true. Ectomycorrhizae form a sheath around the root and do not penetrate the root cells, making the association less intimate compared to endomycorrhizae, which penetrate the root cells and form a more intimate relationship.

2. **Statement II**: "The mycorrhizal association of fungus and the plant may have had importance in the evolution of land plants."
- **Analysis**: This statement is true. Mycorrhizal associations are believed to have played a significant role in the colonization of land by plants, as they help plants absorb nutrients from the soil.

3. **Statement III**: "The mycorrhizal association is a mutualistic symbiosis."
- **Analysis**: This statement is true. Mycorrhizae represent a mutualistic relationship where both the fungus and the plant benefit from the association.

4. **Statement IV**: "Fungal partner is associated with the only roots of the higher plants (like angiosperms)."
- **Analysis**: This statement is false. Mycorrhizal fungi are not exclusive to angiosperms; they can also associate with other plant groups, including gymnosperms and some non-vascular plants.

5. **Statement V**: "Only advanced modern plants such as angiosperms possess mycorrhizae."
- **Analysis**: This statement is also false. Mycorrhizae are found in a variety of plant groups, not just advanced modern plants like angiosperms.

### Conclusion:
The false statements are IV and V, but since the question asks for which of the following statements is false, the most directly incorrect statement is IV: "Fungal partner is associated with the only roots of the higher plants (like angiosperms)."

### Final Answer:
**The false statement is IV.**

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