Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: The statement is correct; evergreen trees continually shed some leaves all year long
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests understanding of basic plant biology and the difference between deciduous and evergreen trees. Many people think that evergreen trees keep their leaves forever, which is not accurate. The statement given describes how evergreen trees handle leaf loss and asks whether that description is correct.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Evergreen trees are called evergreen because they always appear to have green foliage. However, this does not mean that individual leaves live forever. Leaves of evergreen trees age and die, but instead of falling all at once in one season, they are replaced gradually. At any time of the year, some leaves are falling while others remain, so the tree keeps its green appearance. This means that the statement that evergreen trees lose their leaves steadily throughout the year is a correct description.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Botany references explain that evergreen conifers like pines keep their needles for several years before they fall, but they are losing some needles every year. Many broad leaved evergreens, such as certain tropical trees, also shed older leaves as new ones grow. Field observations show that you can find fallen leaves from evergreen trees at almost any time of year, confirming the continuous but partial leaf loss pattern described in the statement.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Many learners misinterpret the word evergreen and imagine that these trees literally never lose leaves. The correct understanding is that evergreens always have some green leaves present but still replace old leaves with new ones. Failing to separate the appearance of the whole tree from the life cycle of individual leaves leads to wrong answers. Remember: evergreen means the tree remains green overall, not that each leaf is permanent.
Final Answer:
The statement is correct; evergreen trees continually shed some leaves all year long
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