Harvesting light at Higher Level: The same statement as SL. HL questions ask you to describe how forest plants reach the light and to explain the strategy of a named plant.
Practise this as you read
- Describe forest strategies for harvesting light.
- Explain how a strangler epiphyte reaches light.
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The big idea: In a forest, light is the resource in shortest supply. Plants have different forms that let them harvest it: by growing tall, climbing, perching, or coping with shade.
The points to remember
- Canopy trees grow tall to spread leaves in full sun.
- Lianas climb other trees to reach the light without a thick trunk.
- Epiphytes grow on high branches; strangler epiphytes also send roots to the soil.
- Shade-tolerant shrubs and herbs have large, thin leaves for the dim forest floor.
Remember it as: Tall, climb, perch, strangle, or tolerate shade.
Real example: bromeliads. Bromeliads are epiphytes of American rainforests: they grow on high branches in the light, and their rosettes of leaves collect rainwater and fallen debris.
Trap: Epiphytes are not parasites: they use the tree for support and light, not for food or water.
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How it is asked: Expect the advantage of growing on a branch, how a named forest plant reaches light, or a description of several forest strategies.
IB-style questionExplain[3 marks]
Explain how a strangler fig is adapted to obtain light in a rainforest.
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See the answer broken into clear points, with guidance on how each point earns marks.