Leaves are the main sites for photosynthesis: the process by which plants synthesize food. Most leaves are usually green, due to the presence of chlorophyll in the leaf cells. However, some leaves may have different colors, caused by other plant pigments that mask the green chlorophyll.

The thickness, shape, and size of leaves are adapted to the environment. Each variation helps a plant species maximize its chances of survival in a particular habitat. Usually, the leaves of plants growing in tropical rainforests have larger surface areas than those of plants growing in deserts or very cold conditions, which are likely to have a smaller surface area to minimize water loss.

Now complete the tasks on the list below:

• Go to this page, http://cnx.org/contents/GFy_h8cu@10.53:uUI62t7w@9/Leaves,and read the entire page
  
• Use the Glossary at the bottom of the page to help with the vocabulary for this week
• Use the Review Questions and Free Response questions to check for understanding

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