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
3
5
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)
Based on the data from the table, it can be observed that the plants in Group B, which were grown in containers with a larger root space (10 centimeters deep), had a greater average height compared to the plants in Group A, which were grown in containers with a smaller root space (3 centimeters deep).
In Week 1, both groups had similar heights of 2 centimeters. However, as the weeks progressed, the plants in Group B consistently showed higher average heights compared to the plants in Group A. By Week 3, the plants in Group B had an average height of 3 centimeters, while the plants in Group A only had an average height of 2 centimeters. This trend continued in the following weeks, with the plants in Group B consistently outgrowing the plants in Group A. By the end of the investigation, in Week 6, the plants in Group B had an average height of 18 centimeters, while the plants in Group A only had an average height of 14 centimeters.
Based on these observations, it can be concluded that root space has a significant effect on plant growth. The plants with a larger root space (Group B) showed greater growth and reached taller heights compared to the plants with a smaller root space (Group A). This suggests that having more space for root growth allows plants to access more nutrients and water, leading to better overall growth and development.
To determine whether this effect was likely due to environmental or genetic factors, more controlled experiments would need to be conducted. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity would need to be kept constant, as well as the type and quality of soil provided to both groups. Additionally, replicating the experiment multiple times would help to account for any variations or anomalies. By controlling these variables and conducting the experiment on a larger scale, any differences in growth between the two groups can be more confidently attributed to root space rather than other factors.