The statement that provides an objective summary of paragraph 2 is:
C. Scientific studies show that plants react to stressful situations like grass being cut by blades.
Tears of Grass
A. Gautam
Plants are much more complex than humans previously considered them to be. Studies have shown their sensory abilities and reactions. Some claims, like plants responding to classical music, are not proven by research. However, some interesting findings have led to a better understanding of plants’ senses.
Scientists have studied plants in many scenarios. If you find the sweet scent of fresh-cut grass pleasant, you may want to rethink it. Scientists say blades of grass feel otherwise. In fact, they react to being wounded. Two scientists from University of Missouri have studied plants’ reactions to stress for many years. Jack C Schultz and his wife Heide Appel are considered experts on the subject. Their findings are eye-opening claims.
For example, when wounded, a plant can release airborne chemicals. These chemicals aim to attract birds and insects for defense and in order to get rid of the pests that are causing the damage. Therefore, when people cut the grass, the grass is attempting to seek help.
One such chemicals that plants produce while under the attack are called volatiles or odors that travel through the air. The fresh cut grass smell is, in fact, a cry for help. This release of chemicals is also seen in plants. While being hurt, as with a caterpillar’s chewing, plants produce chemicals, like nicotine, caffeine, and mustard oil. The intent of the chemicals is to make the creatures stop chewing on the leaves.
Research reveals that in addition to releasing defenses, plants can communicate threats to others. In one study, Schultz placed caterpillar bitten plants close to unbitten plants. The unbitten plants responded as though they were bitten and did so by releasing chemicals. Since the plants were all put in pots and couldn’t communicate through roots, the communication was a signal traveling through the air. A 2014 research shows that caterpillar attacks also trigger a wave of electric activity, which may be the signal that plants send to neighboring plants as warning.
In Schultz’s words, plants are just very slow animals. Plants can sense the approach of a hungry caterpillar before the attack begins. Plants respond to the soft sound of the insect and prepare the defense. Swiss scientists have found that some plants can smell approaching insects as well. Scientists are still trying to track down the specific parts of a plant that respond to sound.
Question
Which statement provides an objective summary of paragraph 2?
Responses
A Two scientists have studied plants for many years and have some interesting claims. Two scientists have studied plants for many years and have some interesting claims.
B Some people find the smell of freshly cut grass pleasing, but some are bothered by it. Some people find the smell of freshly cut grass pleasing, but some are bothered by it.
C Scientific studies show that plants react to stressful situations like grass being cut by blades. Scientific studies show that plants react to stressful situations like grass being cut by blades.
D There are two sides to every situation like how fresh-cut grass is for the cutter and for the grass. There are two sides to every situation like how fresh-cut grass is for the cutter and for the grass.
1 answer