by James Wong
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 behavior. 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?
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 defense against herbivore attack.
The scientists devised a mechanical device that would drop mimosa plants 15 cm 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 excerpt from “Gardens: Do Plants Think?” to answer the question.
Which is an objective summary of the passage?
(1 point)
Responses
Researchers found that mimosas could be “taught” to ignore a stimulus, a finding that suggests plants can learn.
Researchers found that mimosas could be “taught” to ignore a stimulus, a finding that suggests plants can learn.
Scientists made a brilliant discovery when they found out that mimosas could be “taught” to ignore a repeated stimulus.
Scientists made a brilliant discovery when they found out that mimosas could be “taught” to ignore a repeated stimulus.
Researchers have discovered that plants can engage in complex behavior such as communicating.
Researchers have discovered that plants can engage in complex behavior such as communicating.
Mimosas are the most beautiful plants and are also capable of learning to ignore a stimulus.
1 answer
The best objective summary of the passage is:
Researchers found that mimosas could be “taught” to ignore a stimulus, a finding that suggests plants can learn.
This response accurately conveys the main idea of the research conducted on Mimosa pudica without adding subjective descriptors or opinions.
