how is leave area related to photosynthesis and why do camphor tree have high leave area in the shade
The leave area is directly related to photosynthesis because it plays a significant role in the process. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, including trees like the camphor tree, convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose (a form of sugar). The primary site where photosynthesis occurs is in the leaves of plants.
Leaves contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures sunlight and converts it into chemical energy. In order for photosynthesis to occur efficiently, a larger surface area of leaves is beneficial. More leaves mean a greater overall surface area available for sunlight absorption, resulting in increased photosynthetic activity.
Now, regarding the camphor tree having a high leaf area in the shade, there are a couple of reasons for this. First, when a tree is grown in a shaded environment, there is less direct sunlight available for photosynthesis. To compensate for this lower light intensity, the tree may produce larger and more numerous leaves to maximize light absorption.
Secondly, shade-tolerant species like the camphor tree have adapted to survive in low-light conditions. These trees have evolved to have larger leaf areas as an adaptation to gather as much light as possible. By having a high leaf area in the shade, a camphor tree can capture and utilize the limited sunlight efficiently for photosynthesis, ensuring its survival and growth in such environments.