daagh GMATNinjaHypothetical: between below two options which one would you prefer?
Botanists have proven that if plants extend laterally beyond the scope of their root system, they
grow more slowly than those that are more vertically contained.
Or
Botanists have proven that if plants extend laterally beyond the scope of their root system, they
grow slower than those that are more vertically contained.
If we know that vertically contained plants
grow slowly then saying laterally extending plants
grow more slowly makes sense.
But since we dunno about the growth of vertically aligned plants (whether it's normal growth or slow growth), isn't it safer to say "laterally extending plants
grow slower than vertically contained plants"
Thus, "Botanists have proven that if plants extend laterally beyond the scope of their root system, they
grow slower than those that are more vertically contained." More appropriate.