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)
Based on the data from the table, it can be observed that Group B plants consistently have higher average heights compared to Group A plants throughout the weeks.
In Week 1, the average height of Group A plants was 2 cm, whereas it was 3 cm for Group B plants. In each subsequent week, the ratio of average heights between the two groups remains around 0.7, with Group B consistently having higher average heights. This pattern indicates that as the root space increases (from 3 cm to 10 cm), there is a positive effect on plant growth.
To determine whether this effect is likely due to environmental or genetic factors, the student would need to conduct additional experiments. One approach would involve altering the environmental conditions for both groups of plants while keeping the root space constant. For example, the student could vary the amount of water or sunlight received by each group and note any changes in plant growth.
If the effect of root space on plant growth remains consistent regardless of environmental changes, then it would suggest that the observed effect is more likely due to genetic factors. On the other hand, if altering environmental conditions significantly impacts the growth of both groups, it would indicate that the effect of root space is primarily driven by environmental factors.