Final answer:
The investigation of microclimate relating to how sunlight intensity affects plant community composition in a forest-to-meadow transition zone aligns with the study of microclimates and their impact on local ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of microclimate investigations, which are smaller localized climates within larger ones, the most appropriate answer would be D) how sunlight intensity affects plant community composition in the zone where a forest transitions into a meadow. This investigation directly looks at the impact of an abiotic factor, sunlight intensity, on the biotic community composition at a specific location with unique microclimate conditions. It aligns with the concept of biogeography, which studies the geographic distribution of living things in relation to abiotic factors, like temperature and sunlight.
Microclimate studies often examine precise conditions and their effects on the local flora and fauna. In this scenario, the transition zone between forest and meadow creates a unique microclimate where sunlight intensity varies and can significantly affect which plants can thrive, thereby influencing the local ecosystem. Understanding such dynamics can help ecologists grasp the interplay of abiotic and biotic factors, which is crucial when considering the changes in species distribution and interactions due to macro-environment shifts, such as climate change.