Tropism Worksheet PDF: Complete with ease | airSlate SignNow - Free Printable

Let’s go through each question one by one.

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Question 1:
The plant starts near a sunny window and is then moved to a dark corner. The plant will lean toward the light — that means it grows *toward* the sun, even when it’s not right next to it anymore. So in “a few days,” you should draw the plant bending or leaning toward the window (where the light is coming from).

→ This is called phototropism — growing toward light. It’s a positive response because the plant is moving *toward* what it needs.

✔ Answer for #1: Draw the plant leaning toward the window.

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Question 2:
Phototropism = change in growth due to light. Since the plant grew *toward* the light (which helps it survive), this is a positive response.

✔ Answer for #2: positive

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Question 3:
Now the plant has been tipped over on its side. Even though it’s lying down, the stem will start to grow *upward*, away from the ground, and the roots will grow downward. In “a few days,” sketch the stem curving up and the roots curving down — like they’re trying to get back to their normal positions.

→ This is called gravitropism (or geotropism) — responding to gravity.

✔ Answer for #3: Draw the stem bending upward and roots bending downward.

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Question 4:
Gravitropism = change in growth direction due to gravity. Roots grow down (with gravity), stems grow up (against gravity). Both are helpful for survival — so both are considered positive responses in biology terms (because they help the plant live!).

Wait — let’s be careful here. In science, “positive” gravitropism means growing *in the direction of gravity* (like roots). “Negative” gravitropism means growing *away from gravity* (like stems). But the worksheet says:

> “Is phototropism or gravitropism at least three steps positive or negative?”

Actually, looking again — the question is asking if the *response* is positive or negative. In plant biology:

- Positive tropism = growing TOWARD the stimulus
- Negative tropism = growing AWAY FROM the stimulus

So for gravitropism:
- Roots → positive (grow toward gravity)
- Stems → negative (grow away from gravity)

But the question doesn’t specify root or stem — it just says “the plant.” However, since the whole plant is reacting to being tipped, and we usually focus on the stem’s upward growth as the main visible response, and that’s *away* from gravity… but wait — actually, the worksheet might be simplifying.

Looking back at Question 2: Phototropism was called “positive” because the plant grew toward light — which is good for it.

Similarly, gravitropism helps the plant orient correctly — so overall, it’s a beneficial (positive) response. But technically, in scientific terms, stem growth against gravity is *negative* gravitropism.

However, given the level of this worksheet (middle school?), and how Question 2 was answered (“positive” for phototropism because it’s helpful), I think they want us to say positive for gravitropism too — meaning it’s a helpful, adaptive response.

BUT — let’s check standard curriculum. In many middle school texts, they define:

- Positive tropism = toward stimulus
- Negative tropism = away from stimulus

And for gravitropism:
- Roots: positive
- Shoots/stems: negative

Since the diagram shows the whole plant tipped, and the stem is what bends up, that’s *negative* gravitropism.

Wait — the question says: “Is gravitropism... positive or negative?” without specifying part of plant. That’s ambiguous.

But look at the context: In Question 2, they asked about phototropism and expected “positive” because the plant grew toward light. Similarly, here, the plant is correcting its position — which is helpful. But scientifically, the stem’s upward growth is *negative* gravitropism.

I think for accuracy, we should go with the scientific definition.

In most textbooks:
- Gravitropism in stems = negative (grows away from gravity)
- Gravitropism in roots = positive (grows toward gravity)

Since the drawing shows the stem bending up, and that’s the main visible change, the answer should be negative.

But wait — let me double-check common worksheets. Actually, some simplify and call any helpful response “positive.” Hmm.

Looking at the exact wording: “Is gravitropism a change in the direction of the growth of a plant in response to gravity? Is gravitropism at least three steps positive or negative?”

It’s poorly worded. But based on standard biology:

→ Stem growth upward after tipping = negative gravitropism.

✔ Final decision for #4: negative (because the stem grows away from gravity)

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Let me verify all answers once more:

1. Plant leans toward window → correct.
2. Phototropism = positive → yes, toward light.
3. Plant on side → stem curves up, roots curve down → correct.
4. Gravitropism → for stem, it’s negative (away from gravity). Yes.

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Final Answer:
1. [Draw plant leaning toward window]
2. positive
3. [Draw stem curving up, roots curving down]
4. negative