Evergreen timber are pyramidal. Why?
Those that admire the form of a Christmas tree would possibly take pleasure in understanding that its form has advanced in response to wind, snow, and lightweight.
Evergreen timber – similar to spruces, pines and firs – are collectively referred to as conifers. The world’s smallest and tallest timber are members of this household, and there are greater than 550 species of conifers in all. As a substitute of getting broad, flat leaves, conifers often have needle-shaped or scale-like leaves. The form of their leaves is a bonus, as a result of they typically develop in climates that generally function abrasive, blowing ice crystals.
However why are they formed like pyramids? Though conifers develop throughout the globe (besides in Antarctica), they’re typically present in locations which have extreme winters. So an evergreen tree’s form helps hold moist, heavy snow off its higher branches.
Additionally, conifers are likely to have shallow roots. In different phrases, they lack lengthy, sturdy faucet roots. So wind can generally knock them down. Their pyramidal form reduces wind resistance and helps hold the timber standing upright.
And, lastly, a conifer’s form helps it get extra gentle, in locations the place daytime will be brief. That’s as a result of the highest branches of a pyramid-shaped tree don’t shade the underside branches. Conifers have layered branches, with an open space between the layers. This helps wind go via, and it helps the tree get sufficient gentle, particularly when daylight is available in at a low angle, because it does throughout the winter months.
Backside line: The pyramid form of an evergreen tree helps the tree thrive in windy, snowy situations. It additionally helps the tree’s decrease branches obtain extra gentle.
