In a model forest, the tree layer takes 85% of the light that falls on it…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
In a model forest, the tree layer takes of the light that falls on it. The shrub layer takes of the light that reaches it. Take the light above the trees as .
- What per cent of the light above the trees reaches the herb layer?
- A storm breaks some branches, and the tree layer now takes only . The shrub layer still takes . What per cent reaches the herbs now?
- Which layer gains the most from the gap? Give the answer as a number of times: how many times more light do the herbs get?
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
The worked solution
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Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Given. Tree layer takes , then . Shrub layer takes .
Plan. The light that passes a layer is of what falls on it.
Step 1. (a) Under the trees: . On the herbs: .
Step 2. (b) Under the trees: . On the herbs: .
Step 3. (c) times. The herbs get twice the light.
Answer: ; ; times.
Check. A thinner tree layer lets more light through, so the herbs gain.
Watch out. The shrub layer takes a share of the light that reaches it, not of the original .
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