The life of plants depends on light. They absorb light and use its energy for photosynthesis, producing carbohydrates. These carbohydrates, along with the energy they contain, are used to create various chemical substances that allow the plants to grow. Thus, plants cannot survive in places without light, and in areas with insufficient light, they compete for it. Plants that grow in the shade are taller than plants of the same species that grow in sunlight (Fig. 2.1). This is because, to survive, they must rapidly reach a sunny spot and begin photosynthesis before their stored nutrients are depleted.