Question

Poison ivy is a weed that grows in new york state. it synthesizes an oil, urushiol, that causes skin rashes. researchers have found that if poison ivy grows in an environment that contains an increased concentration of carbon dioxide, the plants grow larger, faster, and produce more urushiol. because carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are rising, poison ivy might become a hazard to people who work or vacation outdoors.

The hypothesis that the experiment would test regarding poison ivy growing in an environment with increased carbon dioxide levels is:
a) The effect of carbon dioxide on poison ivy growth rate and oil production
b) The impact of sunlight on poison ivy's ability to synthesize urushiol
c) The influence of water availability on poison ivy's growth pattern
d) The role of nitrogen levels in the soil on poison ivy's growth

Answer 1

The researchers would likely test the effect of carbon dioxide on the growth rate and urushiol production of poison ivy, due to the association between increased CO2 levels and more robust plant growth and oil synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hypothesis that researchers might test regarding poison ivy growing in an environment with increased carbon dioxide levels is: a) The effect of carbon dioxide on poison ivy growth rate and oil production. This is because the information provided states that increased levels of carbon dioxide can cause poison ivy to grow larger, faster, and produce more urushiol, the oil that causes skin rashes. Recognizing poison ivy is essential for avoiding allergic reactions, as its leaves grow in groups of three, leading to the adage, 'leaves of three, leave it be.' The relationship between rising atmospheric carbon dioxide and changes in plant behavior is of great interest to researchers, especially as it pertains to weeds and allergenic plants like poison ivy.