Below are several plant attributes that could be measured. For each attribute, provide one brief of bow it could affect the outcome of competition. There is more than one reasonable answer for description each aspect of growth. The first aspect has been filled in as an example. Plant shoot height-tall plants would be competitively superior at light collection (and thus make more tissue and eventually more offspring than short plants). Total root weight Root to shoot ratio Number of flowers Number of seeds per flower Weight of individual seeds Seed hardness Speed with which seeds germinate

Explanation:

Root to shoot ratio: The roots serves supportive functions by absorbing nutrients which the shoots use. A higher root to shoot ratio means that the root has an advantage in competing for nutrients. However, a low root to shoot ratio means that the plant can compete more for light.

Number of flowers: Higher numbers of flowers give competitive advantage, in that, flowers house reproductive structures.

Number of seeds per flower: Higher numbers of seeds give an advantage as there is more seeds available which can be dispersed to make more offspring.

Weight of individual seeds: Lighter seeds have a competitive advantage in that they are easier to disperse by wind and insects. However, heavier seeds have been found to grow to larger plants.

Seed hardness: A hard seed is protected from damage from mechanical force and spoilage, and thus can remain viable for a longer time. So harder seeds have a competitive advantage.

Speed with which seeds germinate: A higher germination rate gives a competitive advantage.

a = executive branch; b = judicial branch