Question

In question 3 , the plants in the rich farmland vary in height. Some of the plants are taller than others. The same is true of the plants in the backyard. The differences in heights of the plants in the same plot of soil is best accounted for by ________ . a. genetics b. environment c. 30 percent genetics and 70 percent environment d. 70 percent genetics and 30 percent environment

Short answer

The differences in heights of the plants in the same plot of soil is best accounted for by 30 percent genetics and 70 percent environment, as environmental factors have a more significant influence on the observed variations within the same plot.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Genetics

Genetics refers to the inherited traits passed on from parent plants to their offspring through genes. These traits include potential height, growth rate, and other characteristics that affect plant development.

Understanding Environment

Environment refers to external factors that can influence a plant's growth and development. These include factors such as sunlight, water, soil quality, and nutrient availability. Environmental conditions can cause variation in plant heights even if they have the same genetic background. #Step 2: Evaluating the Role of Genetics and Environment in Plant Height Variation#

Evaluating the Role of Genetics

Genetics can contribute to variations in plant height, as different genotypes may have different potentials for height. However, it is important to note that even genetically identical plants can exhibit height differences due to the influence of environmental factors.

Evaluating the Role of Environment

Environmental factors can significantly influence plant height by affecting the availability of resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. As a result, variations in environmental conditions within the same plot of soil can cause differences in height among the plants. #Step 3: Selecting the Best Option#

Comparing the Roles of Genetics and Environment

From our analysis, we can conclude that both genetics and environmental factors can contribute to variations in plant height. However, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact percentages of each factor's contribution. Since the exercise provides options with percentages, we can assume that it is seeking a generalized representation of the contribution of genetics and environment.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Based on our analysis, the most suitable answer would be: C. 30 percent genetics and 70 percent environment. This is because, even though genetics plays a role in plant height, we can see that the environment has a more significant influence on variations observed within the same plot of soil.

Key concepts

Genetics

Genetics are the blueprint of life. They encompass the biological information passed down from parent plants to their offspring. This genetic code determines many inherited traits, such as the potential maximum height a plant can achieve and how quickly it might grow. Every plant carries genes that guide its development, usually described through dominant and recessive traits. Genes act like instructions that help a plant grow into its full potential, but there are limits to what they can dictate. Although genetics provide a framework, the environment can influence how these genetic traits manifest in reality. Even in plants with the same genetic background, external factors can shift outcomes, making genetics only one piece of the growth puzzle. Understanding how both genetics and environment factor into plant growth reveals why plants of the same genetic makeup present varying heights.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors are critical influences that dramatically affect plant growth and development. These factors are external conditions including the availability of sunlight, water, soil quality, and nutrients.
All of these elements play a crucial role in how well a plant can thrive and reach its potential height. For instance, sufficient sunlight enables photosynthesis, the process that provides energy for plant growth. Water is essential for transporting nutrients through the plant, while rich soil contains minerals and organic matter that support plant health. Each of these environmental aspects can either enhance or restrict a plant's growth. In a single plot of soil, differences in sunlight or soil nutrients can lead to variations in plant heights, even if every plant has identical genetic information. Thus, the environment offers a context that either amplifies or limits the potential encoded in a plant's genetic material.

Plant Development

Plant development is a complex interplay between inherent genetics and external environmental factors. The genetic blueprint of a plant outlines its potential for growth, including traits like height, flower color, and leaf shape. However, the expression of these traits is heavily dependent on environmental conditions. For a plant to develop optimally, it requires a suitable environment that meets its needs. Optimal conditions usually mean having enough light, water, and nutrients available throughout its life cycle.
Without these, a plant may fail to reach its full genetic potential, leading to stunted growth or reduced health. On a broader level, understanding plant development goes beyond genetics and environment individually; it lies in recognizing the balance and interaction between these two forces. This balance varies from plant to plant, making the study of both genetics and the environment vital to predicting and enhancing plant growth and development outcomes.