They are the main green of the world and, depending on the region, they are found sparsely or in large numbers. The deciduous trees and the conifers create a large part of our ecosystem. How do you distinguish them?
What is the difference between deciduous and coniferous trees?
Deciduous and coniferous trees differ mainly in their leaf structure: deciduous trees have flat, diversely shaped leaves, while conifers have long, pointed needles. Both tree species carry out photosynthesis, but are distributed in different regions.
What is the difference between deciduous and coniferous trees
The main difference between deciduous trees and conifers are theleavesor theneedles. While deciduous trees have leaves that are shaped and colored differently depending on the species, conifers have needles.
Leaves have a more or less large surface area. Needles are usually smaller, elongated, pointed and thicker than a leaf.
What do deciduous and coniferous trees have in common?
Both deciduous and coniferous trees engage inphotosynthesis to produce chlorophyll, which is stored in the leaves and needles respectively. But in general, deciduous trees are better able to do this due to their larger leaf blades. More sunlight can hit here than on tree needles.
Which deciduous trees are common in Germany?
In Germanynumerous deciduous trees are widespread. Often found:
- Alder
- Beech
- Maple
- Birch
- Oak
- Chestnut
Which coniferous trees do you mainly find in Germany?
The most common conifer species found in Germany are theSpruceand thePine. Larch, Douglas fir, fir, yew and thuja are less common because they place higher demands on the location and are less competitive.
To what extent are deciduous trees so-called angiosperms?
Angiosperms are deciduous trees because they form their seeds in afruit node. Flowers are fertilized and in the process fruit clusters are formed in which the tree's seeds are located for propagation.
Why are conifers gymnosperms?
The seeds of conifers areopen on the seed scales and not enclosed in an ovary like deciduous trees. They are therefore “naked”. This also means that conifers do not produce fruit, only seeds.
Are all conifers evergreen?
The majority of conifers are evergreen, but thelarchis aexception It loses its needles in autumn and forms new ones in spring out of. Other conifers retain their needles for 5 to 7 years, while in the meantime they continually grow new needles and replace old ones.
Is there a conifer with leaves?
Therethere isa coniferous tree with leaves. It's calledKauri tree and grows in Southeast Asia, among other places. But this species is an isolated case.
Do only conifers bear cones?
There are somedeciduous trees that, like the conifers, bear cones as fruit. These include, for example, the hop beech, the American tulip tree and many types of alder such as the black alder and the gray alder.
Tip
Conifers as survival strategists
Coniferous trees have existed on Earth longer than deciduous trees. Their thin needles mean they evaporate less water and can therefore store it more effectively. They therefore cope better with drought than deciduous trees. In addition, conifers require fewer nutrients than deciduous trees.
