Leaves maximize sun exposure: plants

1 of 1 Canopy of a Norway Maple Acer / Scott Robins.. / License

Leaves of plants maximize exposure to sun to maximize photosynthesis by moving throughout the day.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Photovoltaic panels that move with the sunlight, in any direction

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Since daylight is essential for this process, every plant must, as far as possible, position its leaves so that each collects its share without interfering with any others the plant may have. This may require changing the posture of the leaves throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. The accuracy with which a plant can position them may be judged simply by gazing up at the canopy in a wood. The leaves form a near-continuous ceiling, fitting together like the pieces of a jigsaw." (Attenborough 1995: 46)

About the inspiring organism

Plantae
Plantae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Photovoltaic panels that move with the sunlight, in any direction

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Photovoltaics industry, building industry

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References

Attenborough, D. 1995. The Private Life of Plants: A Natural History of Plant Behavior. London: BBC Books. 320 p.

Leaves maximize sun exposure: plants

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