What kind of trees grow in the canopy and receive the most sunlight?

Overstory trees are the tallest trees in a forest and form the uppermost layer of the canopy. They are exposed to the most sunlight, which is essential for their photosynthesis and growth. These trees typically have larger crowns and are adapted to compete for light, allowing them to reach higher than other trees in the forest.

Additionally, the term "overstory" refers to trees that dominate the canopy and provide habitat and resources for other species in the ecosystem. This sunlight availability is vital for their survival, especially in a dense forest where light penetration is limited in lower layers.

In contrast, other types of trees listed, such as understory and substory trees, grow beneath the overstory and receive significantly less sunlight due to the canopy cover. Deciduous trees are categorized by their shedding of leaves seasonally, and they can be found in both the overstory and understory, but the key aspect of sunlight exposure is specifically related to overstory trees.