If seedlings in the shade commonly do receive sugars from plants in the sunlight, which of the following areas should be investigated by future research? Explain why you think each area should (or should not) be investigated? Issues to consider: (1)Plausibility—can the research be performed with current technologies? (2) Is it an interesting question that will lead to valuable future knowledge? If so, describe why the information will be helpful.
A. The above-described exchanges were all among seedlings of the same age. Is the rate or degree of carbon transfer from one plant to another more affected by the degree of shading, or by the relative photosynthetic ability (size/age of the tree)?
B. Does the identity of the partners matter for rate or degree of carbon transfer? Is there a greater exchange among trees of the same species compared to trees of different species? Or do different fungal species have different capacities for transfer?
C. How far (linear distance in meters) can carbon be transferred in nature? Do exchanges occur only between adjacent plants, or can sugars be taken up by plants outside the immediate neighbors? Does distance affect the rate/degree of exchange in and of itself? (Can a heavily shaded tree that is farther away receive more carbon than a nearby tree in the sun?)
D. All of these areas should be investigated.
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