Chapter 1, Problem 3TE

In answer to the question “When a plant grows, where does the material come from?� Aristotle hypothesized by logic that all material came from the soil. Do you consider his hypothesis to be correct, incorrect or partially correct? What experiments do you propose to support your choice?

To determine

Whether the hypothesis of Aristotle that all material come from soil in response to the question “When a plant grows, where does the material come from?�, is correct, incorrect or partially correct with the support of an experiment.

Answer to Problem 3TE

Aristotle’s hypothesis is partially correct as not only soil is responsible for the plant’s growth, but many other factors are also responsible for the plant’s growth.

Explanation of Solution

Aristotle’s hypothesis seems partially correct. Following series of experiments can be performed to test this hypothesis.

1. Take a plant with soil and place it in a vessel. Put this vessel in the sunshine daily for a few hours but do not water plant. In a few days, plant would die, in the presence of soil. It seems water is also required for the growth of plants.

2. Take a plant and uproot it from the soil. Put it in a box without soil. Water the plant sufficiently and place it for some time in sunlight as well. It is observed that the plant will not survive. Therefore, the soil is necessary for the growth of plants.

3. Repeat the same experiment and water the plant this time, but placed in a dark room. After a few days, plant will die. It indicates the sunlight is also necessary for the plant’s growth.

In the above experiments, it becomes clear that there are other factors (water, sunlight, and many more) that are necessary for the plant’s growth. Hence, Aristotle’s hypothesis is only partially correct.

Conclusion:

Therefore, Aristotle’s hypothesis is partially correct as not only soil is responsible for the plant’s growth, but many other factors are also responsible for the plant’s growth.