Theory 16/Boreal Forest/Forest floor
Moss Follows Light and Water
The claim
Moss dominance on the boreal forest floor is set by the ratio of light transmission to moisture, so a thinned canopy can reduce moss despite more light.
01Mechanism
Mosses need light but desiccate without cover; the ratio determines whether growth exceeds desiccation.
02Prediction
Cover should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Cover tracking light alone would remove moisture.