Concept:Transplanting seedlings needs a small, precise tool that can lift soil and roots without damage.
Explanation:A hand trowel has a small, pointed, scoop-shaped blade.
It is designed for digging small holes, lifting soil, and safely moving young seedlings.
This makes it the most suitable tool for transplanting vegetable seedlings.
A hoe is large and heavy; it is meant for tilling soil and clearing weeds, not delicate work.
A cutlass is a large blade used for clearing bush or cutting weeds, not for scooping soil.
A hand fork has prongs that would let the soil ball fall away from the roots, causing transplant shock.
Only the hand trowel can gently lift and hold the root ball during transplanting.
Answer:C. hand trowel.