Plants experience a vast array of conditions that can alter their growth and development, including temperature and availability of water, nutrients, and light. They are also exposed to pollutants such as acid rain formed largely as a result of burning fossil fuels and volcanic eruptions. Acid rain can strip minerals and nutrients from the soil, and eat away the outer waxy layer of tissue that protects a plant. Acid rain is still a major environmental problem in certain regions. How does acid rain affect plant growth? Researchers tested the effects of acid rain (pH 2.0) on seedlings of two different species, camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) and chinaberry tree (Melia azederach), using distilled water as a control. Results of the experiments are shown here. Note that acid rain caused a significant reduction of growth in chinaberry trees (*** means P < 0.001), but not in camphor trees. What was the approximate percentage of growth reduction observed in the chinaberry trees treated with acid rain?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the heights of chinaberry trees treated with distilled water and acid rain from the graph. The height with distilled water is approximately 30 cm, and with acid rain is approximately 15 cm.
2. Calculate the difference in height between the two treatments: 30 cm (distilled water) - 15 cm (acid rain) = 15 cm.
3. Determine the percentage reduction in growth by dividing the difference by the height with distilled water: 15 cm / 30 cm.
4. Convert the fraction to a percentage: (15 / 30) * 100 = 50%.
5. Conclude that the approximate percentage of growth reduction observed in the chinaberry trees treated with acid rain is 50%.