APFIVE A student investigated the effect of wind on transpiration using two identical potted plants. One plant was exposed to constant airflow in a wind tunnel, while the control plant was kept in still air. The student expected the plant in the wind tunnel to have a higher transpiration rate and thus lower soil moisture. However, after several days, no significant difference in soil moisture was measured. Which of the following identifies a potential flaw in the experimental design that could explain this outcome?
The student did not account for the fact that transpiration is primarily driven by the plant’s stomatal opening, which may not have been affected by the wind in the short term.
The humidity in the wind tunnel was too high, counteracting the expected increase in transpiration due to wind exposure.
The soil in both pots was too compact, reducing the rate of water uptake by the plants and thus minimizing the effect of wind on transpiration.
The fan in the wind tunnel was set to a low speed, not creating enough airflow to significantly increase transpiration rates.
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