CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Tree Biology and Physiology Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following describes the primary physiological functions of stomata on a tree's leaves?

Accepted Answer

To regulate gas exchange and control water loss through transpiration.

Answer

Stomata are small pores, typically on the underside of leaves, that open and close to allow carbon dioxide to enter for photosynthesis and to allow oxygen and water vapor to exit. This process of water vapor exiting is called transpiration, which is a critical part of water movement through the tree.

Question 2

A certified arborist is explaining to a client how trees move sugars from the leaves to other parts of the tree, like the roots and fruit. In this process, the mature leaves are considered a 'source.' What is the corresponding term for the roots, fruit, or growing tips that receive these sugars?

Accepted Answer

A sink

Answer

In phloem translocation, a 'source' is an area that produces or supplies excess sugars (e.g., mature leaves). A 'sink' is an area of active growth or storage that requires more energy than it produces, such as roots, developing fruits, or new shoots, and therefore imports sugars.

Question 3

Which of the following tree tissues is a lateral meristem responsible for secondary growth, which results in the thickening of the trunk and branches?

Accepted Answer

Cambium

Answer

The cambium is a thin layer of actively dividing cells located between the xylem and phloem. Its division produces new xylem cells to the inside and new phloem cells to the outside, causing the stem and branches to increase in diameter (girth).

Question 4

When a tree is wounded, it responds by forming chemical and physical barriers to resist the spread of decay. This defensive process, described by Dr. Alex Shigo, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees (CODIT)

Answer

Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees (CODIT) is the model that describes how trees 'wall off' or compartmentalize injured and infected tissue to prevent the decay from spreading into healthy wood. This process involves four 'walls' that form barriers against the pathogen.

Question 5

A tree's total energy balance depends on the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration. Which statement accurately contrasts these two processes?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis stores energy by producing sugars, while respiration releases energy by consuming sugars.

Answer

Photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy-rich sugars (glucose), effectively storing energy. Respiration is the process by which the tree breaks down those sugars to release the stored energy for growth, maintenance, and other life processes.

(CATS) Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Practice Test

(CATS) Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Practice Test

CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Tree Biology and Physiology Questions and Answers