Final answer:
The most plausible alternative explanation for Gene's results in the plant growth experiment is that plants grow faster when there are fewer competitors in a pot, allowing more access to nutrients, water, and space for each plant.
Step-by-step explanation:
An alternative explanation for Gene's results in the plant growth experiment is b) Plants grow faster when there are fewer of them in a pot. This can be attributed to reduced competition for resources such as nutrients, water, and space. Each plant would have more access to these crucial elements, thereby facilitating faster and potentially healthier growth.
Competition is a well-known biological principle where organisms vie for the same resources in an environment. In the context of plants in a pot, more plants mean more competitors. When pots are densely populated, individual plants must compete for limited resources; hence, growth can be restricted. Conversely, with fewer plants, the competition is less fierce, allowing plants to thrive and grow quicker.
It is crucial in experiments like Gene's to control the number of plants per pot to understand how particular variables affect growth. Gary’s experiment, which focused on the impact of sunlight on plant growth, ensured that other factors like pot size, water amount, and plant food were consistent to avoid confounding results.