The study looked at how different tree species adapt to shady environments by studying their growth and morphology in low and high light conditions. They found that in low light, all species allocated more biomass to stems and less to roots, but the same to foliage. Species with higher growth rates, specific leaf area, and specific root length were less shade-tolerant and had smaller seeds. Leaf and root structure influenced growth rates more than biomass distribution. Overall, leaf and root traits like specific leaf area and root length were closely linked to how well different tree species grow in different light conditions.