Question

The accompanying underscoring pattern appeared in the article "Effect of \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\) on Transpiration, Chlorophyll Content, Growth, and Injury in Young Seedlings of Woody Angiosperms" ( \mathrm{\\{} C a n a d i a n ~ J o u r n a l ~ o f ~ F o r e s t ~ R e s e a r c h ~ [1980]: 78-81). Water loss of plants (Acer saccharinum) exposed to \(0,2,4,8\), and 16 hours of fumigation was recorded, and a multiple comparison procedure was used to detect differences among the mean water losses for the different fumigation durations. How would you interpret this pattern? $$\begin{array}{rrrrr} &\text { Duration of fumigation } &16 & 0 & 8 & 2 & 4 \\ &\text { Sample mean water loss } &27.57 & 28.23 & 30.21 & 31.16 & 36.21 \end{array}$$

Short answer

The pattern suggests a generally negative correlation between fumigation duration and water loss, indicating that prolonged fumigation might reduce the water loss in Acer saccharinum plants.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the data

The first step involves understanding and studying the data presented. The data consists of two main components - duration of fumigation and the mean water loss.

Observing the correlation

Next, observe the correlation between the duration of fumigation and the mean water loss. Notice that as the duration of fumigation increases, the mean water loss seems to generally decrease.

Concluding the pattern

With the observation on the correlation, a conclusion can be drawn. The pattern suggests that prolonged exposure to fumigation decreases water loss in Acer saccharinum plants. This implies that fumigation, among other factors, might be slowing down the transpiration rate in plants.