Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam

What are deciduous trees?

1. Trees that are evergreen

2. Trees that lose their leaves annually in the fall

3. Trees that do not produce flowers

4. Trees that remain green year-round

The correct answer is: Trees that lose their leaves annually in the fall

Deciduous trees are characterized by their seasonal leaf drop, specifically losing their leaves annually in the fall. This process is a natural adaptation to conserve water and energy during the colder months when the tree's growth slows down or ceases. By shedding their leaves, these trees reduce water loss through transpiration in winter when water can be less available. In contrast, evergreen trees retain their leaves throughout the year, which allows them to photosynthesize whenever conditions are favorable. These distinctions highlight the difference between deciduous and evergreen trees, reinforcing that the defining characteristic of deciduous species is their periodic shedding of leaves. The other options describe attributes that do not align with the definition of deciduous trees. For example, trees that do not produce flowers can include both deciduous and evergreen species, while trees that remain green year-round clearly describe evergreens rather than deciduous trees.