From HARRY PHILCOX
Thwaites is correct when he states that light is often the limiting factor
in plant growth. However, in answer to his question:
If plants were black, they would indeed absorb all solar radiation. But
they would reflect none at all and consequently would act as perfect
‘black-bodies’. Due to this they would overheat and die, due to a
combination of essential enzyme denaturation and unchecked water loss via
evapotranspiration.
Also (not intended as a science versus religion argument); if God had made
all plants black, what a boring world this would be to live in.
Harry Philcox
Halebank, Cheshire
Advertisement
