VDA 6

 

 

 

1. Scientists predict that prune fingers may serve a purpose. What purpose do they suggest prune fingers serve?  

The scientists think that the wrinkles improve our fingers’ ability to grasp wet, slippery objects.

2. Do you think that the study performed in England was a valid study? Why or why not?

Yes I think this was a valid study because they conducted the experiment more than once or twice. it was supported with results that wrinkled fingers help people grip objects.

3. How would you design an experiment to gather more data to support the suggestion that prune fingers serve a purpose? (Be sure to include the number of people sampled, the independent and dependent variables and the duration or amount of time for your experiment.)






 

I would do it on many different age-groups (Precisely 2-3 people per group). One age group I would test on are elderly with naturally wrinkled fingers. I would also make the younger people soak their hands in different periods of time. The whole time for the experiment would be 20-25 minutes. I expect the elderly to grab the objects better because the studies showed that the more wrinkly your fingers are, it's easier to grab the objects. 

4. While scientists are attempting to determine the biological purpose for prune fingers, the article does not discuss why prune fingers happen in the first place.
  What biological process allows for the skin on our hands and feet to turn wrinkly when submerged in water for long periods of time?

Osmosis.