A garden was planted between two large trees in front of a school. After the garden had grown for several years, the trees were removed. Soon after, the students noticed that the plants in the garden were developing brown leaves and beginning to wilt and die.

Question

A garden was planted between two large trees in front of a school. After the garden had grown for several years, the trees were removed. Soon after, the students noticed that the plants in the garden were developing brown leaves and beginning to wilt and die.
Which statement explains what MOST LIKELY happened to the plants when the trees were removed?
A The leaves of the plants received too much sunlight, and the roots did not take in enough water.
B The leaves of the plants did not receive enough sunlight, and the roots did not take in enough nutrients.
© The leaves of the plants produced too many nutrients, and the roots took in too much water.
D The leaves of the plants did not produce enough nutrients, and the roots did not take in enough water.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The most likely explanation for the plants developing brown leaves and beginning to wilt and die after the trees were removed is:

A. The leaves of the plants received too much sunlight, and the roots did not take in enough water.

When the trees were removed, the plants that had been growing in their shade were suddenly exposed to full sunlight, which they may not have been adapted to handle. Additionally, the removal of the trees may have changed the soil moisture levels, making it more challenging for the roots to take in enough water, leading to wilting and browning of the leaves.