Final answer:
Plants use the length of daylight, called the photoperiod, to determine the changing seasons. In winter, when there is less daylight, plants may have limited opportunities for photosynthesis, resulting in a decrease in carbon dioxide uptake. In summer, with longer daylight hours, plants have more opportunities for photosynthesis and can absorb more carbon dioxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plants determine the changing seasons by sensing the length of daylight, known as the photoperiod. Due to the tilt of the Earth, the length of daylight changes throughout the year. This change in daylight triggers plants to undergo seasonal changes like losing their leaves or flowering. These changes can affect how or when plants use photosynthesis to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2).
In the winter, when there are fewer hours of daylight, plants may have limited opportunities for photosynthesis. This is because they receive less sunlight, which is necessary for photosynthesis to occur. This can result in a decrease in carbon dioxide uptake during the winter months. On the other hand, in the summer with longer daylight hours, plants have more opportunities for photosynthesis, allowing them to absorb more carbon dioxide.
Evolutionary adaptations related to the availability of water and light can also influence how and when plants use photosynthesis. In dry and hot climates, plants may close their stomata to prevent water loss, reducing the uptake of carbon dioxide. Desert plants may even fix carbon dioxide only at night when the temperature is cooler, further conserving water.