In biological and environmental sciences, the specialised study of trees is known by which term?

Introduction / Context:
Different branches of biology focus on specific levels of life, from cells and tissues to whole ecosystems. Trees are important components of forests and landscapes, and their study has its own specialised name. This question checks whether you know the term used for the scientific study of trees.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Each option refers to a different field of study or is a distractor.
• Trees are large woody plants with significant roles in ecology.
• Specialised branches of botany have Greek derived names.

Concept / Approach:
The term dendrology comes from the Greek word dendron, meaning tree. Dendrology is a branch of botany that deals specifically with the study of trees and woody plants, including their identification, classification and distribution. Histology is the study of tissues under a microscope. Andrology deals with male reproductive health. Sistology is not a standard recognised field and appears as a distractor.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question asks specifically about the study of trees. Step 2: Recall that dendron is a Greek root meaning tree. Step 3: Connect dendron with dendrology as the logical name for tree study. Step 4: Recognise that histology focuses on tissues rather than whole trees. Step 5: Note that andrology is related to male health and that sistology is not a standard scientific term, and then choose dendrology.

Verification / Alternative check:
Botany and forestry texts describe dendrology as a subject concerned with tree identification, descriptions of species and the study of woody plants. Field guides for trees and shrubs often mention dendrology in their introductions. By contrast, histology appears in laboratory based courses, and andrology in medical contexts, confirming that only dendrology matches tree study.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a, histology, is the study of tissues at the microscopic level and is not limited to trees.

Option b, andrology, focuses on male reproductive organs and health.

Option c, sistology, is not a standard branch of biology and serves only as a distractor.

Common Pitfalls:
Because many biological terms end in logy, students may guess based on sound rather than meaning. They may also confuse dendrology with neurology because of dendrites in nerve cells, but dendrites are named for their tree like branching, which again traces back to the same root dendron. Understanding word roots helps link these meanings and avoid confusion.

Final Answer:
The specialised study of trees is called Dendrology.