Why do plants need sunlight?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: For photosynthesis to make food
To stay warm — Not quite. Sunlight does warm the plant, but that's not the main reason it needs light. Plants rely on light as an energy source to drive photosynthesis, not just for warmth.
For photosynthesis to make food ✓ — Exactly! Plants use sunlight as the energy source for photosynthesis, where they convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process happens in the chloroplasts with the help of chlorophyll. Without light, plants can't produce their own food and will eventually starve.
To grow taller — Not really. While plants do grow toward light, they don't need sunlight just to get taller. They need light for photosynthesis to make the sugars that fuel all their growth, including increasing height.