Since the results show the plants did not as much in the shade, we can conclude they need sunlight to grow.

yes sunlight is very important to us

you didn't give any options but heres what i can tell you: an inference is likely to change based on additional observations. the latter is something that you have seen or sensed using your sensory organs while the former is like a conclusion out from what you have observed.

weathering - colorado river carves land in arizona to form the grand canyon. cracks form in a sandstone wall surrounding a house. a marble statue near the science museum is changing color due to rainfall

erosion - after a rainstorm, soil and rock piees litter the roadways. the sand dunes in the sahara desert are changing shape.

here's your answer.