Question

After observing certain desert plants in their native environment, a researcher proposes that they drop their leaves to conserve water. This is an example of a a theory. d. a hypothesis. b. a law. e. an experiment. c. a prediction.

Short answer

d. a hypothesis

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Terms

A hypothesis is a proposition made as a starting point for further investigation from known facts. A theory is a set of accepted beliefs or organized principles that explain and guide analysis. A law is a established principle thought to be universal and invariable. An experiment is a scientific procedure to establish the validity of the hypothesis. A prediction is a forecast or a guess.

Analyzing the Statement

The researcher observed the desert plants and proposed that they drop leaves to conserve water. In this case, the researcher made an initial proposition based on his observation, he didn't conduct any experiment neither he stated any law or theory. He also did not make any future forecast, so the concept of prediction does not apply here.

Choosing the Correct Answer

From the above analysis, it can be determined that the researcher's proposition that desert plants drop their leaves to conserve water can be considered 'a hypothesis'. So, the correct answer is: d. a hypothesis.

Key concepts

Desert Plant Adaptations

In the vast and arid expanses of the desert, plants have evolved a myriad of adaptations to survive the harsh conditions. One such adaptation is the ability to drop leaves during periods of extreme drought, which is a water-saving strategy aimed at reducing water loss through transpiration.

The leaves of desert plants are often the site of significant water loss as they are involved in gas exchange during photosynthesis. To combat this, some plants have developed reduced leaf areas or have leaves that can be shed in response to water scarcity. Other adaptations include the development of deep root systems to access water from far below the surface, succulent tissues to store water, and waxy coatings on leaves to reduce evaporation.

Understanding these adaptations is crucial for scientists and researchers who study how life can persist in such challenging environments. Each of these mechanisms involves complex biological processes that contribute to the efficiency and resilience of desert plants.

Biological Water Conservation

Biological water conservation encompasses the strategies and mechanisms employed by living organisms to manage and conserve water efficiently. In desert plants, such conservational strategies are vital for their survival. Beyond dropping leaves, these plants often exhibit behaviors such as opening stomata only at night when the temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher, which reduces evaporation.

Some plants, like cacti, have evolved to perform a type of photosynthesis known as CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) that allows them to fix carbon dioxide into sugars with minimal water loss. Moreover, the ability to rapidly absorb water during rare rainfall, and store it in specialized tissues, helps desert plants sustain life through extended periods of drought.

Through understanding these biological mechanisms, humans can also learn valuable lessons about sustainable water management that can be applied in agriculture, landscaping, and conservation efforts in arid regions.

Scientific Research Methods

The foundation of scientific inquiry lies in its methods. Scientific research methods are structured ways to investigate questions and test hypotheses. The process often begins with observations that prompt a question or hypothesis.

In our desert plant exercise, the researcher's hypothesis that plants drop leaves to conserve water will lead to a series of investigations. These may include controlled experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and perhaps comparing the water retention of plants with and without leaves during drought conditions. After a comprehensive study, the hypothesis may be supported by the evidence and contribute to a broader understanding of plant adaptation, or it may be refuted, leading to new questions and hypotheses.

The cycle of hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, and refinement is what propels scientific knowledge forward. This systematic approach ensures that science is an ongoing process of learning and discovery, focused on acquiring objective and verifiable results.