There Are Three Basic Photosynthetic Pathways: C₃, C₄, and CAM

question 16

Essay

There are three basic photosynthetic pathways: C₃, C₄, and CAM. Briefly explain the likely reasons for the evolution of three different pathways rather than just one.

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Definitions:

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it, also known as the "knew-it-all-along" effect.

Timing Bias

A form of cognitive bias where an individual's decisions or perceptions are influenced by the timing of information or events.

Base Rate Neglect

The tendency to ignore information about general principles in favor of very specific but vivid information.

Bonferroni Inequalities

Statistical safeguards used to reduce the chances of making incorrect inferences when multiple hypothesis tests are being performed simultaneously.