During a Year, Plants Never Use 100% of the Incoming

question 50

Multiple Choice

During a year, plants never use 100% of the incoming solar radiation for photosynthesis. Which of the following is the most reasonable explanation for this?

• A) Plants cannot photosynthesize as well in warm temperatures as in cold temperatures.
• B) Plants do not intercept all incoming light, as some light will strike water, bare soil, or rock.
• C) The pigments that drive photosynthesis absorb all of the wavelengths of light; however, some of the light is subsequently reflected off the plant.
• D) At least 75% of all incoming light is reflected, absorbed, or scattered back by clouds in the atmosphere.

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