Tree Identification and Characteristics

Cecilia, a member of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps, introduces dichotomous keys as a tool for identifying trees and plants. She describes a tree with smooth bark and ovular leaves, then demonstrates using a dichotomous key to identify it. By answering questions about the tree's features, she narrows down the possibilities and concludes that the tree is an American beech.

What is the main purpose of using a dichotomous key?

• To determine the health of a tree

• To calculate the age of a tree

• To identify different species of trees and plants

• To measure the height of trees

What characteristic of the tree was NOT mentioned in the description?

• Ovular leaves

• Smooth bark

• Knobby top

• Red flowers

What does it mean if a tree has alternate branching?

• Branches grow in pairs at the same level

• Branches grow at different levels

• Branches grow in a circular pattern

• Branches grow only on one side

What should you do if you don't understand a term in the dichotomous key?

• Skip the question

• Ask a friend

• Guess the answer

• Click on the picture section for clarification

What is the significance of terminal buds in tree identification?

• They show the tree's health status

• They indicate the tree's age

• They help determine the tree's height

• They are used to identify the tree species

What type of bark does the tree in the example have?

• Peeling and rough

• Smooth and gray

• White and rough

• Brown and smooth

How tall is the tree described in the example?

• 20 to 30 feet

• Above 30 feet

• 10 to 20 feet

• Less than 10 feet

Which of the following is NOT a possible identification for the tree?

• Maple

• Basswood

• Black Cherry

• American Beech

What is the final identification of the tree in the example?

• Black Cherry

• Oak

• American Beech

• Basswood

What is the role of Cecilia in the video?

• A botanist

• A member of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps

• A tree farmer

• A forest ranger