One scoop of seeds is planted in a plot of farmland with rich soil and adequate rainfall. Another scoop of seeds from the same batch is planted in a backyard with poor soil that is never watered or fertilized. On average, the seeds in the rich soil grow taller than the seeds in the poor soil. The difference between the average height of the plants in the rich soil and that of the plants in the poor soil is best accounted for by ___________. a. genetic factors b. environmental factors c. 30 percent genetics and 70 percent environment d. 70 percent genetics and 30 percent environment

In this scenario, seeds from the same batch are planted in two different environments - a plot of farmland with rich soil and adequate rainfall, and a backyard with poor soil that is never watered or fertilized. The average height of the plants in the rich soil is greater than that of the poor soil.

Let's analyze each option to determine which best accounts for the difference in average height: a. Genetic factors: Since the seeds are from the same batch, it can be assumed that the genetic factors are constant, and therefore not a primary reason for the differences in average height. b. Environmental factors: The two environments differ significantly, with one having rich soil and adequate rainfall, and the other having poor soil and no water or fertilization. These differences in the environments can greatly impact the growth of the plants. c. 30 percent genetics and 70 percent environment: This option suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but as mentioned earlier, the genetic factors are constant given the seeds are from the same batch. d. 70 percent genetics and 30 percent environment: Similar to option c, this option also suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but we have already established that the genetic factors are constant for both groups of plants.

Based on the analysis, the best option to account for the difference in average height between the plants grown in rich soil and those grown in poor soil is: b. Environmental factors