Most angiosperms have alternate phyllotaxy. What allows each leaf to get the maximum exposure to light and reduces shading of lower leaves?
A) a leaf area index above 8
B) self-pruning
C) one leaf only per node
D) leaf emergence at an angle of 137.5°F from the site of previous leaves
E) a leaf area index above 8 and leaf emergence at an angle of 137.5°F from the site of previous leaves

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alternate phyllotaxy with leaf emergence at an angle of 137.5°F (or approximately the golden angle) from the site of previous leaves allows each leaf to get maximum exposure to sunlight and reduces shading of lower leaves. This arrangement ensures that each leaf receives light from a different direction and is not overshadowed by the leaf above it.

Most Angiosperms Have Alternate Phyllotaxy