Trees have fascinated humans for thousands of years and have played a major role in mythologies all over the world, largely because of their utility, longevity, and often impressive stature. Additionally, trees play a major role in the ecology of the Earth by reducing erosion and moderating the climate by removing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing large amounts of carbon in their tissues (Kozlowski 1971). Trees have copious uses for all different types of plants and animals; food, shelter, fuel, and timber being a few of the most common uses. There is no universally recognized precise definition for trees. They are not a distinct taxonomic group, but rather a collection of plant species that have independently evolved similar traits. The most characteristic of these traits is a wooden trunk and branches which are used as a way to tower above other plants. One of the broader definitions of trees classifies them as: “any plants with the general form of an elongated stem or trunk, which supports the photosynthetic leaves or branches some distance above the ground,”(Tokuhisa). More generally, trees are often defined by height, with smaller plants being classified as shrubs, though the minimum height varies widely. Another specification used to differentiate between trees is the presence of a wooden trunk, although this excludes herbaceous trees such as bananas and papayas (What is a tree?). Despite being herbaceous and never producing wood, palms and bamboos may produce a wood-like substance by lignifying cells produced through primary growth, and are able to stay tall and rigid due to cellular water pressure called “turgor” (What is a tree?). Trees exist in two different groups of vascular plants, the gymnosperms and the angiosperm...
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...igh Elevation Treeline Research. Retrieved March 29, 2014, from https://plantecology.unibas.ch/treeline_elevation/
Sexual reproduction in trees. (2014). Retrieved March 30, 2014, from http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/ad230e/ad230e02.html
Tokuhisa, J. (2012, June). Tree Definition. Retrieved April 29, 2014, from http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/bot00/bot00761.html
Tree evolution. (2014). Retrieved March 30, 2014, from http://www.rfs.org.uk/learning/tree-evolution#timeline
Stein, W. E., Mannolini, F., Hernick, L. V., Landing, E., & Berry, C. M. (2007, April 19). Giant cladoxylopsid trees resolve the enigma of the Earth's earliest forest stumps at Gilboa. Retrieved March 30, 2014, from http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v446/n7138/abs/nature05705.html
What is a tree? (2012). Retrieved April 14, 2014, from http://www.as.miami.edu/qr/arboretum/what_is_a_tree.html
The ecological effects of wildfires on Yosemite are among some its greatest benefits. Trees like Bishop Pines and Sequoias have evolved in such a way that their seeds will only open when exposed to high temperatures. The fires also help to clear out dead leaves and weeds, thereby making sunlight accessible to new plants and increasing their chances to germinate (Marder). Wildfires are so essential in areas like Yosemite that over millions of years, plants have developed strategies to be successful in this type of environment. For instance, giant sequoias have developed a thick layer of fire-resistant bark. This bark is “the main explanation for tree survival in intense fires” (Gignoux, Colbert, and Menaut). Fire makes the soil fertile and redistributes the nutrients evenly so that the next generation of trees can cover more space. The fires have helped...
Cheng, Ah. The King of Trees. Trans. Bonnis S. McDougall. New York: New Directions Publishing Corp., 2010. Print.
Cox, P. W., & Leslie, P. (1999). Texas Trees: a Friendly Guide.. U.S.A: Corona Pub. Co..
In his book, The Forest, the trees, and the One Thing, Johnson (1999) uses Monopoly as an example in order to explain his outlook on what a social system actually is. He does this in order to the five important ideas that make up social systems. Throughout the reading one learns that these five things consist of the ideas that: People and systems have a direct relation to each other in terms of how one influences the other but they are not the same. Systems directly affect how people act and participate in building society by following the path of least resistance, but at the same time without people these systems might not exist. The role we play in the social system dictates who we are as people and how we influence the system. It shows us that that the role we play as individuals affects more than just our own selves. Sometimes, we can even be a part of more than just one system which can cause role conflict (Johnson1999). Johnson incorporates different aspects of the game and its rules in order to explain how society works as a whole. He does this by providing examples of the different pieces that are used, the rules that need to be followed and the values needed to reach the ultimate
To what extent do the belief systems in The King of Trees act as a means of enforcing societal norms?
the rainforest are about 70% of plants.the trees are very important and the trees actually give us
In this paper, I argue that for a particular tree T, T is the sum of all parts of the tree and P represents the individual components that make up the sum such as the leaves, branches and roots, where T can exist for a period without P, but P must exist as a part of T. My argument proceeds by, in the fall, trees that lose their leaves are still standing while trees without leaves throughout multiple seasons will die, cutting tree branches off the tree will cause the branches to die but allow the tree to continue its existence, each part has its own role that contributes to T and each part that is removed is replaceable by the tree. In the fall, most trees lose their leaves. During this process the leaves die as they fall from the tree.
By reading one of Richard Wilbur’s poems, one can get extremely confused while trying to find the actual meaning of the poem. Someone could take the easy way out and not try to get deep down into the poem to find the real meaning, or one could investigate the poem and learn what Wilbur is trying to get across to the reader. In "Orchard Trees, January," one could pick up what Wilbur is trying to say if one takes the time to think about it. On some of his poems, though, it is nearly impossible to know what he is talking about. Only the interpretation from Wilbur himself could help one who is completely baffled by one of his poems. Authors often write their poems at the spur of the moment, and the mood that the poet is in reflects the meaning of the poem. Centenary College was lucky enough for Richard Wilbur to come to the school and explicate many of his poems. This helps in dissecting Wilbur’s poems.
Fossilization and the Fossil Record. (2010). In Earth Sciences for Students. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/scic/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow
In the lab exercise regarding plant structure and function, we examined slides containing the different kinds of roots (monocot, dicot). We labeled the parts and pointed out the different roles of each in the plant structure. Also, we examined monocot stems and dicot stems in order to familiarize ourselves with its external and internal structures. We sketched and labeled the parts of the stem and looked closely at the positions of each part. In the last part of the lab, we classified leaves into different kinds according to their leaf venation, bases of leaves, and apices of leaves. As an additional exercise, we sketched 20 animals and classified them according to phylum and class. We were also able to discover the scientific and common names of the animals. Overall, the exercises we did enabled us to familiarize ourselves with plant structure thus, gaining a better understanding for plant life and its importance.
Rainforests once covered 14% of the worlds land surface, however now it only covers a mere 6%. It is estimated that all rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years. Trees are becoming more needed and used everyday. We need them cut down for many reasons such as paper and timber, while also needing them ‘untouched’ for other reasons like oxygen, we have to ask ourselves, which is more important? At the current rate, most of the rainforests are being cut down for resources like paper and timber, but less importance is being placed on main resources like oxygen.
II.Main Point: Trees play an important role in the life of birds and animals.It is natural that wherever trees are planted, wildlife and other plants are sure to follow.
Trees help complete the water cycle by returning water vapour back in the atmosphere.
Trees are usually considered as bland, unusual objects that are usually taken for granted; however, I believe there is more to a tree that meets the eye. They supply oxygen and shade. During the holidays, trees are able to spread holiday cheer by wearing holiday decorations. Through providing, they are always beneficial to the needs of others. Rather than having striking beauty like a flower, trees have are grounded and possess a gentle beauty; they are adapted wildflowers to their environment. In fact, if I had to compare myself to an inanimate object, I would choose a tree. A tree has many characteristics in common with me. Characteristics like relying on our roots, strength and observation, and helping others and leaving behind a powerful legacy are a few of the traits we share. All of which I believe are admirable qualities to possess.