Trees! Giants Among Plants

What is it about plants that makes them so special? What is it about plants that makes them so special? How are trees different from other plants? How are trees different from other plants? Let’s Think…

What can trees do that animals can’t do? What can trees do that animals can’t do? What can animals do that trees can’t do? What can animals do that trees can’t do? Let’s Think…

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Source: The National Energy Education Project Photosynthesis

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The Anatomy of a Tree: Anatomy of a Tree A.The outer bark is the tree's protection from the outside world. It is continually growing. It is continually growing. Prevents the tree from losing moisture when the air is dry. Prevents the tree from losing moisture when the air is dry. Insulates against cold and heat and wards off insect enemies, lawn mowers and other types of injury. Insulates against cold and heat and wards off insect enemies, lawn mowers and other types of injury.

The Anatomy of a Tree: Anatomy of a Tree B.The inner bark, or “phloem”, is pipeline through which food made in the leaves is moved to other parts of the tree. Lives for only a short time, then dies and turns to cork to become part of the protective outer bark. Lives for only a short time, then dies and turns to cork to become part of the protective outer bark.

The Anatomy of a Tree: Anatomy of a Tree C.The cambium cell layer is the growing part of the trunk. Annually produces new bark (phloem) to the outside and new wood (xylem) to the inside of the tree. Annually produces new bark (phloem) to the outside and new wood (xylem) to the inside of the tree.

The Anatomy of a Tree: Anatomy of a Tree D.Sapwood is the tree's plumbing system for water moving up to the leaves. New wood, also called “xylem”. New wood, also called “xylem”. As newer rings of sapwood are laid down, inner cells lose their vitality and turn to heartwood. As newer rings of sapwood are laid down, inner cells lose their vitality and turn to heartwood.

The Anatomy of a Tree: Anatomy of a Tree E.Heartwood is the central, supporting pillar of the tree. Although dead, it will not decay or lose strength while the outer layers are intact. Although dead, it will not decay or lose strength while the outer layers are intact. In many ways it is as strong as steel. In many ways it is as strong as steel.

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