Chapter 34, Problem 15PIAT

Summary Introduction

To review:

The impact of acid rain on the vascular cambium of the two species and further determine how it will affect the amount of wood produced in the trunks of the tree.

Introduction:

The main growth layer of the plants present in the roots and stems is referred to as the vascular cambium. Acid rain is caused due to air pollution and has pH less than 5.2. Generally, it is produced by emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxide (NO₂), which react with the water molecules in the cloud to produce sulfuric and nitric acids. The acid rain degrades the outer layer of the plant including leaves. The effects of the acid rain were tested in the two seedlings, which belonged to two different species. The results that were obtained after the experiment are shown in the graph below. It is given that the acid rain has caused a significant reduction in the size of the chinaberry trees. Furthermore, in the graph *** signifies probability value less than 0.001.