The researchers studied how the size and arrangement of leaves on red clover plants affect how well they can make food through photosynthesis. They grew different varieties of red clover in boxes in a greenhouse and measured how much light the leaves received, their age, and how much carbon dioxide they could turn into food. They found that the more leaves a plant had, the more food it could make, up to a certain point. After that, having too many leaves actually decreased the plant's ability to make food. This was because older leaves weren't as good at photosynthesis as younger ones. So, having the right amount of leaves in the right places is crucial for red clover plants to make the most food.