NECOBiologyEcology

Photosynthesis uses ___ light.

ARed
BGreen
CSunlightCORRECT
DUV only
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning** Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make food, and they need **light energy** to power it. The question asks what TYPE of light plants actually use. Here's the key: plants don't use just one color — they use a **broad spectrum** of light wavelengths. Sunlight contains all colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet) mixed together. Plants absorb mostly **red and blue** light through chlorophyll, and they reflect green light (that's why leaves look green to us!). But the complete answer is **sunlight** because it's the natural source that provides the full range of wavelengths plants need for optimal photosynthesis. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **A) Red** — True, plants absorb red light heavily, but saying "only red" is incomplete. They also need blue and other wavelengths. - **B) Green** — This is the trap! Plants actually *reflect* green light (don't use it much), which is why they appear green. - **D) UV only** — Plants don't primarily use UV; too much UV can even damage them. **Quick takeaway** Plants use **sunlight** (the complete package), absorbing mainly red and blue wavelengths while reflecting the green we see.
Want this in Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa? Sign up free →

Practice more Biology questions

NECO Biology has thousands more questions like this — with Worked answers on every one.