03-02-2021, 01:22 PM
I think it's worth mentioning that most plants on Earth are of a far from optimum colour if the criterion is efficiency of light absorption. The reason why plants are green is, of course, that green light is preferentially reflected rather than absorbed; but the peak of light intensity from Sol is in the green, so chlorophyll is pretty inefficient. Why? Evolution; it just happens that chlorophyll was the first pigment to be used, and evolution doesn't allow radical redesigns.
It might well be that alien plants use a more efficient light absorber, even in Earthlike conditions.
Just my $0.02.
It might well be that alien plants use a more efficient light absorber, even in Earthlike conditions.
Just my $0.02.