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But there are places where plants compete fiercely for small amounts of sunlight, such as in forests (especially tropical rainforests). Doesn't your theory sug
by jessriedel 10y ago
But there are places where plants compete fiercely for small amounts of sunlight, such as in forests (especially tropical rainforests). Doesn't your theory suggest they'd use more efficient systems there?
- lordnacho 10y agohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C4_carbon_fixation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C4_carbon_fixation Example of such an evolutionary step. C4 vs C3 photosynthesis.
- jessriedel 10y agoC4 is more efficient in water usage, but less efficient than C3 in energy production
- Retric 10y agoDon't forget plants get the energy back from making a leaf in a few weeks. Solar panels take considerably longer. Generally plants are optimized to compete with others in their niche and as such it's exponential growth that's most important not total energy capture.
- int_19h 10y agoIs it actually tropical rainforests, or temperate, that limit sunlight most? Old-growth PNW forests often have large patches of western hemlocks that produce so much shade that no other tree can grow under it, not even conifers - and unless there's a fire to clear some space out, it can stay that way for centuries.