Suppose a plant had a photosynthetic pigment that absorbed far-red wavelengths of light. In which of the following environments could that plant thrive?
A) on the surface of a lake
B) on the forest floor, beneath a canopy of taller plants
C) on the ocean floor, in very deep waters
D) on mountaintops, closer to the Sun

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plants on the forest floor that are shaded by tall trees receive primarily far-red light, so a plant with a pigment that absorbs far-red wavelengths could thrive in this environment. Plants on the surface of a lake would receive a wider range of wavelengths, including blue and green light, but not enough far-red light. Deep ocean water absorbs most of the sunlight, so plants living in very deep waters would not receive enough light, including far-red light. Mountaintops closer to the Sun would receive more sunlight, but the wavelengths of light that reach high elevations are not mainly far-red wavelengths.

Suppose a Plant Had a Photosynthetic Pigment That Absorbed Far-Red