Virtual Hibiscus Observation Lab

Weather-adjusted activity: Because outdoor observation is not possible today, you will examine high-resolution photographs of different Hibiscus rosa-sinensis specimens and complete the same core observation and comparison skills indoors.

Student Information

Student name

Class

Date

Learning Objectives

Observe and describe visible structural variation among hibiscus specimens. Distinguish qualitative observations from measurements or estimates. Produce a clear biological drawing using appropriate conventions. Explain how phenotype can reflect genetic and environmental influences. Evaluate limitations of observations made from photographs.

Part A — Observe Four Hibiscus Specimens

Do not assume that flower colour alone makes two plants different species. Record only what you can observe from the image. Click an image to open the source page in a new tab if you need a closer view.

Specimen A

Red single-flowered hibiscus

Observe petal arrangement, reproductive column, symmetry, colour pattern and any visible foliage.

Specimen B

Yellow hibiscus

Look for contrasts in petal colour, centre colour, petal overlap and visible reproductive structures.

Specimen C

Pink hibiscus

Compare petal shape, colour intensity, centre pattern and overall floral form.

Specimen D

Double-flowered hibiscus

Notice the extra petal-like structures and compare accessibility/visibility of reproductive parts with the single-flowered specimens.

Part B — Comparative Observation Table

Use short biological descriptions. If a feature cannot be seen clearly, write not visible rather than guessing.

Feature	Specimen A	Specimen B	Specimen C	Specimen D
Flower colour / pattern
Petal number / arrangement
Flower symmetry
Anthers / stigma / style visibility
Leaf features visible?
Other distinguishing feature

Part C — Biological Drawing

Select one specimen and produce a biological drawing of either the flower or a clearly visible leaf. Use single, clean lines; no shading; draw large; label structures with straight ruled lines where possible.

Specimen selected

Structure drawn

Labels included

One observation your drawing makes especially clear

Part D — Analysis Questions

1. Identify three visible characteristics that vary among the four hibiscus specimens.2. Identify two characteristics that appear similar across several specimens.3. Which specimen appears most different from the others? Use at least two observations as evidence.4. Explain why visible differences among these plants do not, by themselves, prove that they are different species.5. Variation in phenotype can result from genetic and environmental factors. Give one plausible genetic influence and one plausible environmental influence that could contribute to differences among hibiscus plants.6. If you were able to examine the living plants outdoors, what additional quantitative data would you collect? Give at least three measurements.7. State two limitations of using photographs instead of living specimens for this investigation.8. Write a concise conclusion: How much variation is visible among the hibiscus specimens, and what evidence supports your conclusion?

Part E — Extension: Design a Follow-up Investigation

Design a fair comparison to investigate whether one environmental variable influences a measurable hibiscus characteristic.

Independent variable

Dependent variable

Three controlled variables

How will you improve reliability?

Prediction with biological reasoning

Student Self-Check

Observation
I described what is visible without inventing details.

Comparison
I used evidence from more than one specimen.

Drawing
My drawing is large, clear, unshaded and labelled.

Analysis
I distinguished observation from explanation.

The PDF button opens your browser print window. Choose Save as PDF as the destination. Your typed responses and biological drawing will be included. If long answers are cut off in the PDF, use Download All Responses (.txt) to save the complete written responses. The drawing itself remains available in the PDF.

Image Credits

Photographs are displayed from Wikimedia Commons and remain subject to their individual licenses. Source pages: Specimen A · Specimen B · Specimen C · Specimen D