A student investigated the effect of root space on plant growth. The student grew two groups of plants of the same variety. Both groups received the same amount of water and sunlight and grew in the same type of soil. The plants in Group A were grown in cube-shaped containers that were 3 centimeters deep. The plants in Group B were grown in cube-shaped containers that were 10 centimeters deep. The table shows the student's observations
Week Plant Group A (Average Height, cm) Plant Group B (Average Height, cm)
1 2 3
2 3 6
3 5 8
4 7 10
5 8 14
6 10 18
What was the effect of root space on plant growth based on the student's investigation? Use the data from the table to support your answer. Explain how you would know whether this effect was likely due to environmental or genetic factors.
(2 points)
Short Answer Rubric (2 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
2
The answer is very clear.
The answer is fully supported by details.
There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.
1
The answer is somewhat clear.
Details are weak or not related.
There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.
0
The question is not answered.
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Based on the data from the table, it is clear that the plants in Group B, which had more root space in the deeper containers, grew taller than the plants in Group A. Throughout the 6-week period, the plants in Group B consistently had a greater average height compared to the plants in Group A.
This effect of root space on plant growth is likely due to environmental factors rather than genetic factors. This is because both groups of plants were of the same variety, received the same amount of water and sunlight, and grew in the same type of soil. The only difference between the two groups was the amount of root space provided by the containers.
Therefore, the increased height of the plants in Group B can be attributed to the fact that they had more room for their roots to grow and develop, allowing them to access more nutrients and water from the soil. This suggests that a larger root space can have a positive effect on plant growth, as seen in this investigation.