Directions

Question

Read the instructions for this self-checked activity. Type in your response to each question, and check your answers. At the end of the activity, write a brief evaluation of your work.
Activity
Read this article about changing leaf color in trees. Then answer the following questions based on what you’ve learned.

Part A
Do the trees discussed in the article make their own energy every day? Use evidence from the article to support your statement.

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No, they don’t. Trees need leaves for photosynthesis because leaves contain chlorophyll. As the article states, the food-making process stops after these trees lose their leaves.
Part B
The taiga is a forest region in the northernmost part of the world. This region is very cold, and winters are long. Most of the trees there are conifers, and many keep their green needles all year-round. Why do you think the needles are important for the trees’ survival?

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Part C
Do you think there’s sufficient evidence in the article to conclude that bright red leaves in the fall help protect the trees in the winter? Explain your answer.

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Part D
How does this article support the concept that science evolves with new evidence?

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Self-Evaluation
How did you do? Rate your work on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 as the highest score. Then write a brief evaluation of your work below. Note what you learned and what challenged you.

Answer 1

Part A

No, the trees discussed in the article do not make their own energy every day. As the article states, "the food-making process stops after these trees lose their leaves." This indicates that without leaves, which contain chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis, the trees cannot produce their own energy.

Part B

The needles are important for the trees’ survival in the taiga because they allow the trees to photosynthesize, even during the cold winter months when light is available. By retaining their green needles year-round, coniferous trees can continue to carry out photosynthesis when conditions permit, thus maintaining their energy reserves and overall health.

Part C

Yes, I believe there is sufficient evidence in the article to conclude that bright red leaves in the fall help protect the trees in the winter. The article explains that red pigments, which are produced in the leaves as chlorophyll breaks down, can provide protection from harmful UV rays and prevent water loss. This suggests that these bright red leaves serve an important function in promoting tree health during the harsher winter conditions.

Part D

This article supports the concept that science evolves with new evidence by highlighting how researchers study the changing leaf colors and their implications for tree survival. The article mentions ongoing research that suggests different factors contribute to leaf color change, showing that scientific understanding is continually refined as new information becomes available.

Self-Evaluation

I would rate my work a 4 out of 5. I feel that I effectively addressed each question with relevant evidence and reasoning based on the article. However, I could improve on providing more specific examples for some insights, particularly in Part C regarding the potential protective role of red leaves. I learned about the important role of chlorophyll and pigments in trees, and I found it challenging to articulate the significance of these processes clearly.