Four different groups of the same species of peas are grown and exposed to differing levels of sunlight, water, and fertilizer as documented in the table below. The data in the water and fertilizer columns indicate how many times the peas are watered or fertilized per week, respectively. Group 2 is the only group that withered. What is a reasonable explanation for this occurrence? Group Sunlight Water Fertilizer 1 partial sun 4 mL/hr 1 2 full sun 7 mL/hr 1 3 no sun 14 mL/hr 2 4 partial sun 3 mL/hr 2
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Group 2, the only group that withered, was exposed to full sun. This suggests that the species of peas being studied does not thrive in full sunlight, leading to its deterioration compared to the other groups with different light exposures. Choices A, B, and C are not the correct explanations for the withering of Group 2. There is no mention of insects in the stem, poor drainage, or soil nutritional deficiencies in the scenario provided. The key factor that sets Group 2 apart from the others is the full sunlight exposure, indicating that the species of peas is not suited for such conditions.