Question

which conclusion is best supported by the students observations?
o gene expression changes based only on inherited traits, not environmental conditions.
o all genes are always expressed the same way, regardless of light availability.
o genetic makeup must be different if the corn plants grew differently.
o the environment can influence how genes are expressed, affecting physical traits.

Explanation:

The table shows that corn plants grown in different light conditions (daylight vs. complete darkness) have different physical traits (stem length, leaf color, plant appearance). This indicates that the environment (light availability) influences gene expression, which affects physical traits. The other options are incorrect: "Gene expression changes based only on inherited traits, not environmental conditions" is wrong because the data shows environmental (light) effect; "All genes are always expressed the same way, regardless of light availability" is contradicted by the different traits; "Genetic makeup must be different if the corn plants grew differently" is not supported as the experiment likely used same - genetic - makeup plants (common in such experiments to test environmental effects).

Answer:

The environment can influence how genes are expressed, affecting physical traits.