Question
A group of scientists is studying how desert plants survive in extreme conditions. They compare two plant species:
Plant X has deep roots and thick, waxy leaves.
Plant Y has shallow roots and thin leaves.
Which claim is best supported by scientific reasoning?
(5 Points)
Plant Y is better adapted to the desert because its thin leaves allow it to absorb more sunlight.
Plant X is better adapted to the desert because its deep roots reach underground water, and its waxy leaves prevent water loss.
Both plants are equally adapted to the desert because all plants need sunlight to survive.
Plant Y is better adapted because its shallow roots collect rainwater quickly.
Plant X has deep roots and thick, waxy leaves.
Plant Y has shallow roots and thin leaves.
Which claim is best supported by scientific reasoning?
(5 Points)
Plant Y is better adapted to the desert because its thin leaves allow it to absorb more sunlight.
Plant X is better adapted to the desert because its deep roots reach underground water, and its waxy leaves prevent water loss.
Both plants are equally adapted to the desert because all plants need sunlight to survive.
Plant Y is better adapted because its shallow roots collect rainwater quickly.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The claim best supported by scientific reasoning is:
**Plant X is better adapted to the desert because its deep roots reach underground water, and its waxy leaves prevent water loss.**
This reasoning aligns with the known adaptations of desert plants, which typically need to conserve water and access limited water sources efficiently. Deep roots allow for reaching groundwater, while thick, waxy leaves help minimize water loss through evaporation.
**Plant X is better adapted to the desert because its deep roots reach underground water, and its waxy leaves prevent water loss.**
This reasoning aligns with the known adaptations of desert plants, which typically need to conserve water and access limited water sources efficiently. Deep roots allow for reaching groundwater, while thick, waxy leaves help minimize water loss through evaporation.