Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate option.
Global analysis of a large number of plant species traits showed that with increase in leaf lifespan,
Specific leaf area increases whereas leaf nitrogen and net photosynthesis rate decrease.
Specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen and net photosynthesis rate increase.
Specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen and net photosynthesis rate decrease.
Specific leaf area decreases whereas leaf nitrogen and net photosynthesis rate increase.
Global analysis of a large number of plant species traits has shown that as leaf lifespan increases, there is a trend of decreasing specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen content, and net photosynthesis rate.
Specific leaf area refers to the leaf area per unit leaf dry mass. As leaf lifespan increases, leaves tend to become thicker and denser, resulting in a decrease in specific leaf area.
Leaf nitrogen content is an important indicator of the nutritional status of leaves. In many cases, as leaf lifespan increases, the nitrogen content of leaves tends to decrease. This is because older leaves may reabsorb and remobilize nitrogen before senescence, resulting in lower leaf nitrogen levels.
Net photosynthesis rate is the rate at which plants capture and convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds through photosynthesis. As leaf lifespan increases, the net photosynthesis rate typically decreases. This is because older leaves may have a reduced capacity for photosynthesis due to aging, structural changes, and lower chlorophyll content.
Therefore, option c correctly states that with an increase in leaf lifespan, specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen, and net photosynthesis rate decrease. Hence, the correct answer is option 3.