In a scenario where a bacterial community is exposed to a dark environment for several days, bacteria that require light to reproduce will show lack of growth compared to bacteria that do not require light to reproduce.
Bacteria that depend on light for photosynthesis or energy production (such as certain phototrophic bacteria) will be unable to grow and reproduce in the absence of light. In contrast, those that do not require light (such as heterotrophic bacteria) will likely continue to grow, assuming there are other necessary resources (like nutrients) available.
So, the statement would conclude: Bacteria that require light to reproduce will show lack of growth compared to bacteria that do not require light to reproduce, which may exhibit more growth.