EXERCISE 21 



Problem. Why is it that seeds placed under certain conditions will germinate or sprout, whereas 

 under other conditions they remain unchanged ? 



What to do. Make a list of all the things, substances, or conditions 'in the environment (surround- 

 ings) that in your judgment have something to do with sprouting. For example, you may think that 

 the fence around a field or the color of the flowerpot has (or has not) some relation to the sprouting ; 

 you may think that the darkness inside a bin or the light coming through a glass jar containing seeds 

 is an important factor. 



All the factors in the environment which may influence germination : 



1. 



6. 



9. 



10. 



In the light of all that you know about the sprouting of seeds, place a + after each item that you are 

 sure is a necessary factor in germination ; place a after every item that you know is not necessary ; 

 and place a ? after each item in regard to which you are in doubt. 



Questions. 1. How do you know that the first item you have marked + is essential to the sprouting 

 of seeds ? 



2. How do you know that the first item you have marked is not essential ? 



3. Is your doubt in regard to any item marked ? due to your lack of experience or to conflicting 

 observations ? 



4. What factors of importance had you overlooked that other students reported ? 



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