The Biology of a Tree
Beginning from the top, trees have a crown that is covered with leaves. The main purpose of the leaves is to carry out photosynthesis. This process makes food for the tree to survive, and provides clean oxygen for all of life to enjoy. The limbs or branches in the crown are support structures that hold up leaves, flowers, and in some cases fruits as well. These branches act as roads for nutrients between the leaves, roots, and trunk. The trunk of the tree is a combination of five separate sections.
The first layer is called the outer bark and is a shield for the core of the tree from insects, disease, and extreme weather. The inner bark is the main pathway for food like glucose to travel between the trees crown, and roots. The cambium cell layer is the part of the trunk that continues to grow over time. The tree transports water from the roots with the sapwood, which is basically newly produced wood. Lastly heartwood is the main core of the trunk of the tree. It provides support for the rest of the tree to exist, and is actually dead. Finally, the roots are the bottom of the tree and work to absorb water, and minerals from the rich soil in the ground.
