Which set of context clues best points to the correct definition of undergrowth in the second sentence?
Certain trees, in fact, produce seeds only when fire heats them. If the fire removes thick shrubs and undergrowth, the water
supply increases, aiding other plants and local animals. Fire also may kill predatory insects or pests that live on and damage
otherwise healthy trees
The set of context clues that best points to the correct definition of undergrowth in the second sentence is "If the fire removes thick shrubs and undergrowth, the water supply increases, aiding other plants and local animals."
In order to determine the correct definition of "undergrowth" in the second sentence, we can look at the surrounding context clues.
The words "thick shrubs" are mentioned immediately before "undergrowth." This suggests that undergrowth is related to or a type of vegetation that grows under or alongside shrubs. The sentence also explains that the fire removes this undergrowth, which leads to an increase in the water supply and benefits other plants and animals.
Based on this information, we can infer that "undergrowth" refers to small plants or vegetation, such as grass or low-lying shrubs, that grow beneath or among larger plants or shrubs.