Meaning: 'Fall' refers to the act of leaves dropping from trees, particularly in the autumn season.

Wrong options:

• strip: The word 'strip' is a verb that means to remove something, which does not fit the context of leaves dropping from trees.
• decreases: The word 'decreases' is a verb that refers to a reduction in quantity, but it does not describe the action of leaves in autumn.
• patience: The word 'patience' is a noun that refers to the ability to wait without frustration, which is unrelated to the action of leaves.
• nutrients: The word 'nutrients' is a noun that refers to substances that provide nourishment, which does not describe the action of leaves.

Correct answer: decreases

Explanation: The word 'decreases' is a verb that indicates a reduction in the amount of light available for photosynthesis. It fits grammatically as it agrees with the subject 'the amount of light' and logically follows the context of diminishing light in autumn.

Meaning: 'Decreases' means to become smaller or less in amount, which is relevant to the light available for photosynthesis.

Wrong options:

• strip: The word 'strip' does not fit in this context as it does not relate to the amount of light; it refers to removing something.
• fall: The word 'fall' is a verb that describes an action but does not convey the idea of reduction in light.
• patience: The word 'patience' is a noun that is unrelated to the context of light and photosynthesis.
• nutrients: The word 'nutrients' refers to substances that provide nourishment, which does not pertain to the amount of light.

Correct answer: nutrients

Explanation: The word 'nutrients' is a noun that refers to the essential substances that leaves lose as they cannot photosynthesize effectively. It fits grammatically as it serves as the object of the verb 'losing' and aligns with the context of leaves' health.

Meaning: 'Nutrients' are substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and maintenance, which leaves lose during autumn.

Wrong options:

• strip: The word 'strip' does not fit as it refers to removing something, not to what leaves are losing.
• decreases: The word 'decreases' is a verb that indicates a reduction but does not refer to what leaves are losing.
• patience: The word 'patience' is a noun that is unrelated to the context of leaves and their health.
• fall: The word 'fall' is a verb that describes an action but does not relate to the substances leaves are losing.