Final answer:
The statement is FALSE as plants typically allocate resources to both leaf and root production in full sunlight to optimize light capture and nutrient uptake for photosynthesis and growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that plants growing in sunlight tend to allocate more resources to leaf production than to root production compared with plants growing in full sun is FALSE. Plants optimize their growth based on their environment. For instance, in low-light conditions, plants will prioritize leaf production over root production in order to maximize their light capture for photosynthesis. Conversely, in full sun, there is ample light, and plants will invest in a balance of both leaf and root growth to take advantage of the available light and nutrients. Additionally, factors such as whether a plant receives light only on the upper surface of leaves or whether it grows in the shade of a mature plant can significantly influence its growth strategy, particularly its photosynthetic capability and need for sunlight exposure.