Meet the plant that is making scientists rethink how we understand intelligence. A growing body of research suggests that far from being merely a passive, green backdrop to the natural world, plants actively engage in complex behaviour. They are capable of communicating with allies, attacking rivals and even feeding their young. But could we also add “learning” and “memory” to the list?

Question

Researchers in Australia recently sought to investigate this hypothesis by attempting to “train” a group of touch-me-not plants (Mimosa pudica). The ferny leaves of this exotic, South American houseplant have the curious property of “playing dead”: they instantly collapse to resemble a withered branch when they are touched. Botanists believe this evolved as a defence against herbivore attack.

The scientists devised a mechanical device that would drop mimosa plants 15cm on to a foam base, providing just enough shock to trigger leaf collapse, but without damaging the plants. By doing this hundreds of times a day, the researchers were quickly able to “teach” plants to begin to ignore this stimulus, keeping their leaves open throughout.

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Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

Which of the following states the thesis of this explanatory text?

(1 point)
Responses

Researchers are beginning to understand how to train plants to ignore stimuli.
Researchers are beginning to understand how to train plants to ignore stimuli.

A group of plants called “touch-me-nots” are able to “play dead” to escape herbivores.
A group of plants called “touch-me-nots” are able to “play dead” to escape herbivores.

Scientists are learning that plants may actively engage in complex behavior that resembles memory and learning.
Scientists are learning that plants may actively engage in complex behavior that resembles memory and learning.

Scientists are rethinking how they understand intelligence.
Scientists are rethinking how they understand intelligence.

Answer 1

The thesis of the explanatory text is:

Scientists are learning that plants may actively engage in complex behavior that resembles memory and learning.

This option captures the main idea of the text, which discusses research into the behaviors of plants, particularly in relation to learning and memory, as well as rethinking intelligence in the context of plant behavior.