An investigation was carried out into the effect of pH on the germination of seeds of a species of plant. Scientists calculated the number of germinated seeds as a percentage of the total number of seeds planted at each soil pH value. To determine the germination rate the germination percentage for each pH value was divided by the number of days over which newly germinated seeds were observed during the investigation. Note that the error bars for germination rate show standard deviation.
The results of the investigation is shown in the graph below.
Which of the following provides the most accurate conclusion for this investigation.
This plant species germinates more successfully in alkaline soil, with most seeds germinating at a pH value of 4.
This plant species germinates more successfully in acidic soil, with most seeds germinating at a pH of 5.
This plant species does not have a high rate of germination in alkaline soil, with a significant decrease in the percentage of seeds that germinated daily above a pH value of 7.
This plant species showed the highest germination success in acidic soils, with most seeds germinating at a pH of 4.