Question 7 • IS - O - 3490 - The Living Earth B CP Online
Ali hypothesized that increasing fertilizer would increase plant growth. Four groups of thirty similar plants were given 0 to 15 ml of fertilizer, as shown in the graph. The change in plant height for each group over a two-week period was averaged and recorded.Plant GroupFertilizer Added (mL)Avg. Growth (cm)A04B56C108D153What is the best conclusion based on this data?
Answer
A
The hypothesis was not supported because the data indicated that fertilizing plants does not improve plant growth.
B
The hypothesis was supported; to get the best growth, use 5 milliliters of fertilizer per plant.
C
The hypothesis was not supported; the data indicated that too much fertilizer can inhibit plant growth.
D
The hypothesis was supported; to get the best growth, use 15 milliliters of fertilizer per plant.
Explanation
Growth increased from 4 cm with no fertilizer to 6 cm with 5 mL and 8 cm with 10 mL, but fell to 3 cm with 15 mL. So adding more fertilizer did not always increase growth; the data suggest that too much fertilizer can inhibit plant growth. This supports choice C.
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