Final answer:
To test the hypothesis about impatiens wilt in response to drought, a controlled experiment should be set up with 20 plants under the same environment, segregating them into two groups: one watered and one not. Variables like rate of water loss, leaf temperature, and wilting level should be monitored and recorded.
Step-by-step explanation:
Experimental Design to Test Hypothesis on Impatiens Flower Response to Drought
To test the hypothesis: If an impatiens flower experiences drought, then its leaves curl up and wilt as a response to water loss and as a means to reduce evaporation, we can implement a controlled experiment. Here is a step-by-step procedure:
- Select 20 impatiens plants of similar health, size, and age to ensure a comparable starting point.
- Divide the plants into two groups: the control group (10 plants) will be watered regularly while the experimental group (10 plants) will not receive water.
- Place all plants in the same controlled environment to ensure that other variables such as light, temperature, and humidity are constant.
- Measure variables such as leaf angle, leaf temperature, and rate of water loss before starting the experiment, and continuously monitor these variables at regular intervals (e.g., every 12 hours).
- Observe for visible signs of wilting, such as leaf curling, and utilize a standardized scale to rate the level of wilting.
- Photograph each plant daily to record visual changes over the course of the experiment.
- After a set period (e.g., 7 days), rehydrate the experimental group and observe if the plants regain their turgidity.
- Maintain detailed records of all observations and measurements for later analysis.
Data to be collected includes the rate of water loss, changes in leaf temperature, and daily wilting ratings. These measurements will help confirm if drought conditions lead to the expected responses in the impatiens plants.