Have you wondered why green plant life does not occur below 100 metres in the ocean? Here is the answer for your curious brain.
Things Required:
2 small green potted plants (same variety)
Directions:
Place one of the plants in a sunny area, and the other plant in a dark closet or cabinet. Leave the plants for 7 days. Compare the colours of the plants.
This Is What Happens:
The plant in the closet will be lighter in colour and wilted.
Science Behind It:
Plants need sunlight to undergo the energy making reaction called photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is a green pigment necessary in the photosynthesis reaction. Without the sunlight, the chlorophyll molecules are used up and not replenished causing the plant to look pale. In time, the plant will die without sunlight.
Green plants grow in the ocean to a depth of about 100 metres. They are more abundant near the surface and decrease with an increase in depth. The concentration of sunlight is greatest at the surface and totally disappears below 100 metres. Green plants cannot live below 100 metres.
