Compare an absorption spectrum of a pigment with the action spectrum for photosynthesis.

The absorption spectrum of a pigment reveals how much light it absorbs at various wavelengths. The action spectrum for photosynthesis indicates the wavelengths of light most useful for driving photosynthesis. This action spectrum is shaped by the various pigments in a plant's chloroplasts. The combined absorption spectrum of these pigments aligns with the plant's action spectrum, confirming their role in absorbing light for photosynthesis.