• Question: Why are different types of tree different shapes?

    Asked by soggysheepy to Andrew, Janey P, Ravi, SarahJane on 26 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Sarah-Jane Walsh

      Sarah-Jane Walsh answered on 26 Jun 2013:

      Trees are different shapes depending on the environment they live in, if there is high competition for sunlight like in the jungle trees grow tall and spread out right at the top as this is the only place they will get light. Whereas in the poles trees are tall and narrow, this is because if they are two wide they get so much snow on them it causes them to topple over! If a tree is on its own like an old oak tree it can spread out and be big and round as it gets light from all angles.

      As trees rely on photosynthesis their shape is all about maximizing the surface area able to get sunlight.

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