Which term describes the slowest-growing, weakest trees that receive no direct sunlight?

The term that describes the slowest-growing, weakest trees that receive no direct sunlight is "suppressed trees." These trees are typically found in the understory of a forest, where they lack access to sunlight due to the canopy cover created by larger, more dominant trees. As a result, suppressed trees often exhibit slower growth rates and weaker overall health compared to their counterparts that receive more light.

In a forest ecosystem, various layers are formed based on the height and light exposure of the trees. Dominant trees are the tallest and receive the most sunlight, while codominant trees are similar in height but share sunlight with other trees. Overstory trees are part of the upper layer of the forest, contributing to the canopy but typically not comprising the weakest trees, which is characteristic of suppressed trees. This understanding of the layered structure of forests is essential for grasping forest ecology and management practices.