Sphagnum fuscum hummocks. Known occurrence of "Sphagnum fuscus" are on the map above. The moss inhabits boreal forests and marshlands primarily, and is more likely to be found in colder climates. The moss is also capable of inhabiting areas of relatively high elevation. In recent studies performed in Eastern Europe, it was found that stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratios in α-cellulose of "Sphagnum fuscum" stems subsampled from hummocks and peat plateau profiles are useful indicators for summer temperature and winter precipitation at decadal to millennial timescales. In another study conducted in Alberta, Canada, it was found that "S. fuscum" serves as
Carnivorous plant more or less than this optimum will take up less carbon dioxide than an optimal plant, and hence growing less well. These plants will be at a selective disadvantage. At zero investment the growth is zero, because a non-carnivorous plant cannot survive in a habitat with absolutely no soil-borne nutrients. Such habitats do not exist, so for example, "Sphagnum" absorbs the tiny amounts of nitrates and phosphates in rain very efficiently and also forms symbioses with diazotrophic cyanobacteria. In a habitat with abundant soil nutrients but little light (as shown above), the gross photosynthesis curve will be lower and flatter,