Canopy structure: which statement accurately describes dominant and codominant trees?

• A. All canopy trees receive the same amount of sunlight regardless of class.
• B. Codominant trees receive full sun and form the upper canopy.
• C. Dominant trees capture full sunlight and form the upper canopy, while codominant trees are similar in height but partly shaded by dominants.
• D. Dominant trees are always suppressed and receive no sunlight.

Answer: (C)

Light availability drives canopy structure. Trees compete for the sun, so the tallest crowns intercept the most direct light and form the upper canopy. Dominant trees capture full sun on their leaves and branches, shaping the upper layer. Codominant trees are typically of similar height but have crowns that are partly shaded by the dominants, so they receive a mix of sun and shade. Suppressed or understory trees stay largely shaded beneath the canopy and get little light. This makes the described arrangement the best fit: dominant trees capture full sunlight and form the upper canopy, while codominants are similar in height but partly shaded by dominants.