Why do sunflowers follow the sun?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: It maximizes photosynthesis
It maximizes photosynthesis ✓ — Correct! Young sunflowers track the sun from east to west during the day (heliotropism). This maximizes photosynthesis by keeping leaves perpendicular to sunlight. At night, they turn back east to greet the sunrise. The mechanism involves growth hormones: auxin accumulates on the shaded side, causing faster growth there, turning the plant toward light. Mature sunflowers stop and face east!
Attract more bees — Wrong. While east-facing mature sunflowers do attract more bees in warm morning sun, young sunflowers track the sun specifically to maximize photosynthesis for growth.
Prevent water loss — Wrong. Sun tracking isn't about water conservation. Sunflowers follow the sun to capture maximum light for photosynthesis. They use auxin hormones to grow faster on shaded sides, turning toward light.