Computer Transpiration Lab

Data Table:

Plant	Normal(mL)	Fan(mL)	Heater(mL)	Lamp(mL)
Arrowhead	3.6	7.5	6.6	4.0
Coleus	0.9	6.0	3.9	3.0
Devil’s Ivy	2.9	4.6	4.1	3.0
Dieffenbachia	4.1	7.7	6.0	3.9
English Ivy	1.8	5.1	3.2	2.1
Geranium	1.2	4.7	5.8	2.4
Rubber Plant	4.9	8.4	6.8	4.3
Weeping Fig	3.3	6.1	4.9	2.5
Zebra Plant	4.2	7.6	6.1	3.2

Journal Questions

1. Transpiration is the process of a plant moving water through its roots and stem. It involves cohesion, water molecules sticking together, and adhesion, water molecules sticking to the sides of the stem/root, as well as evaporation for the water to create space for more to move up.
2. Some controls used were the amount of time, the intensity of light, wind, heat, and the amount of water which was started with.
3. All the factors, light, wind and heat increased the rate of transpiration.
4. Wind caused the greatest increase, as it dries out the plant the most. Heat was a close second as is caused evaporation, and light came in last.
5. The rubber plant had the highest rate of transpiration because it uses the most water. Plants that are suited to use less water, such as a cactus, are evolved specifically to survive in dry climates.
6. The rate of transpiration would go down because the plant would loose less water. The petroleum jelly would slow down evaporation.
7. The plant needs to constantly gain and loose water to carry out cell respiration. 

Coevolution

As I observed, flowers come in all different shapes and sizes, and so many different colors. I used to think that these variations meant nothing, and that the only reason there was so much variety was so I could enjoy them all. Well, that is not the case. One of the main factors of the shape of flowers is what kind of insect pollinates them. As we live in Southern California, these are mainly bees, which I also saw a lot of.

The structure of a plant is simple, and complex at the same time. Below the ground is the root system. This is made up of roots that both go downward and to the side. Roots serve as an anchor to hold the plant in place and as a means of getting water and nutrients. The next part of the plant is the stem, which holds the plant upright. Stems also allow the plant to transport water from the roots to the leaves or flowers. Stems, although not thought to be, are very diverse. For instance, one may be able to hold the entire stem of a potted flower while they cannot reach both of their hands around the trunk of a massive redwood. The variation of the stem all depends on the niche it fills. Next up are leaves. Leaves primary purpose is to collect sunlight so plants can make food through photosynthesis. Another aspect of leaves is how they are arranged. This, again, depends on the niche they are filling.