The Radiocarbon Method

Question

The radiocarbon method
A) Seriously overestimates photosynthesis
B) Gives lower estimates of photosynthesis than the oxygen method
C) Cannot be done in the same environment as the oxygen method
D) Can be used to estimate photosynthesis, but only in the dark

Accepted Answer

The radiocarbon method, which involves measuring the incorporation of carbon-14 into plant tissues, typically gives lower estimates of photosynthesis compared to the oxygen method. This discrepancy is often attributed to differences in the assumptions and methodologies of the two approaches.