Question

Part of a tree’s canopy is in the shade, and part receives full sun. If the stomata are open to the same degree, which leaves will contribute more to the transpiration rate of the tree?

Multiple Choice
Leaves in the sun
Leaves in the shade
Both transpire equally

Answer 1

Sunlit leaves will have a higher transpiration rate than shaded leaves due to higher temperatures and increased photosynthesis activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The leaves in the sun will contribute more to the transpiration rate of the tree if the stomata are open to the same degree. This is because sunlight increases the temperature of the leaves, which in turn increases the energy available for water molecules to evaporate.. Transpiration is the process by which water evaporates from the plant's leaves through the stomata. Stomata are the tiny openings on the leaf surface that allow water vapor to escape. When leaves are in the sun, more water is evaporated from the stomata, resulting in a higher transpiration rate.

Hence, more water vapor is lost through the stomata in sunlit leaves than shaded leaves due to higher rates of transpiration. Additionally, photosynthesis rates are higher in sunlit conditions, requiring more CO₂ intake and thereby contributing to increased transpiration.