tree morphology

What are the four layers of a tree trunk?

* Heartwood: compressed xylem in the center compressed as newer layers form

* Xylem (sapwood): carries water and minerals up the trunk

* Cambium : turns into xylem and creates a annual ring

* Phloem (inner bark): transport sugars from leaves to roots and forms the bark as it dies

## Footnote

These layers have distinct functions in the tree's growth and nutrient transport.

What is the function of roots in a tree?

Pull nutrients and water from the soil and carry it to the trunk for distribution.

## Footnote

Roots adapt to water levels in the soil.

How do roots adapt in desert climates?

Long, tendril-like roots that stay near the surface to catch rain more easily.

## Footnote

This adaptation helps in water conservation

What is the initial root structure formed by a seedling?

A taproot grows straight down with sub-roots growing off it.

## Footnote

This structure supports the tree's growth.

What does the trunk of a tree do?

Transports water and minerals up from the ground and carries sugars down to the roots.

## Footnote

It also provides central support for the tree.

What is the role of heartwood?

A hard core of old xylem layers that have died and become compressed.

## Footnote

It provides structural support.

What does the xylem (sapwood) do?

Carries water and minerals up the trunk.

## Footnote

It is essential for the tree's hydration.

What is the function of the cambium layer?

Develops new cells to become xylem, phloem, or more cambium.

## Footnote

It contributes to the tree's growth each year.

What does the phloem (inner bark) transport?

Sugars from the leaves down to the roots.

## Footnote

It plays a crucial role in nutrient distribution.

What is the crown of a tree?

All the branches and leaves on the tree.

## Footnote

It is essential for photosynthesis

What process occurs in the crown of a tree?

Photosynthesis.

## Footnote

This process transforms light into sugars and releases oxygen.

What do leaves do during photosynthesis?

Take in sunlight and transform it into sugars.

## Footnote

Chlorophyll in leaves is crucial for this process.

What is a byproduct of photosynthesis?

Oxygen released into the air.

## Footnote

This is vital for the survival of many organisms.

What additional benefits do leaves provide?

* Filter dust from the air

* Protect soil from erosion

## Footnote

These functions contribute to the ecosystem.

What are the 7 types of leaf shapes

1. Needle like

2. Alternative

3. Opposites

4. Broad

5. Whorled

6. Simple

7. Compound

What is transpiration

The loss of water through the stomata opening moving upwards from cohesion and adhesion

What is a forest?

A plant association predominantly of trees or other woody vegetation

Essentially : a collection of stands.

What is a stand

An aggregation of trees or other growth occupying a specific area and sufficiently uniform in species composition, size, age, arrangement, and condition as to be distinguished from the forest or other growth on adjoining areas.

Essentially : a group of uniform trees

What is the difference between stands and forests

the stand is the unit which is of interest in silviculture. The forester practices silviculture on stands, not on forests

Forests are group of stands whereas stands are group of similar trees

What is a pure stand species composition

A stand in which MORE OR ATLEAST 80% of the trees in the main

canopy are of single species

What is a mixed stand species composition

A stand in which LESS than 80% of the trees in the canopy are of a single species.

Stand density - what are Fully stocked stands

Stands in which all the growing space is effectively

occupied but which still have ample room for development of the crop trees

Stand density - what are over stocked stands

Stands in which the growing space is so completely utilized that growth has slowed down and many trees, including dominants, are being suppressed.

Stand density - what are under stocked stands

Stands in which the growing space is not effectively occupied by crop trees

What is the difference between overstocked, understocked and stocked stands

Fully stocked - full stand but still able to grow trees

Overstocked - crowded stand that grow rate is slowed down and suppressed

Understocked - stand where the space isn’t utilized effectively by trees

Stand form ( age classes in stands ) - what are even aged stands

Stands in which there exists relatively small age

differences between individual trees.

Stand form ( age classes in stands ) - what are uneven aged stands

Stands in which there exists relatively large age differences between individual trees. At least 3 age classes are present. A similar term is all-aged stand.

Stand Origin

Stands may be classified by origin; whether from seed or sprouts and suckers, or a combination of the two. Also descriptive of origin are natural or planted, and virgin or second growth.

Tree Size Classification – The timber species are conveniently designated by certain size classes through their life development. They are:

(a) Seedling – from germination to 2 inches d.b.h.

(b) Sapling – from 2 to 4 inches d.b.h.

(c) Pole - from 4 to 12 inches d.b.h.

(d) Standard – from 12 to 24 inches d.b.h.

(e) Veteran – over 24 inches d.b.h.

What are dominant trees?

Trees with crowns extending above the general level of the crown cover and receiving full light from above and partly from the side; larger than the average trees in the stand, and with crowns well developed but possibly somewhat crowded on the sides

What are co-dominant trees

Trees with crowns forming the general level of the crown cover and receiving full light from above but comparatively little from the sides; usually with medium sized crowns more or less crowded on the sides.

What are Intermediate trees

Trees shorter than those in the two preceding classes,

but with crowns either below or extending into the crown cover framed by the codominant and dominant trees, receiving a little direct light from above, but none from the sides, usually with small crowns considerably crowded on the sides.

What are Suppressed trees

Trees with crowns entirely below the general level of the crown cover receiving no direct light either from above or from the sides.

What are the differences between suppressed, dominant, co-dominant, and intermediate trees

Codominant - receives full light from above but not much from the sides

dominant - receives the most light and on top of the other trees having the biggest crown

Intermediate - shorter than the dominant and co-dominant trees receiving light from the top but not from the sides and crowded from the sides

suppressed - little to no direct light and below the other trees

What is Tolerance

the ability or capacity of a tree to develop and grow in the shade of and in competition with other trees. Species are generally ranked by the broad classification of being either tolerant or intolerant.

Crown Percent

This is a descriptive tree term and is simply the percentage of crown length compared to total height