Why Do Trees Have Different Shapes?

Trees grow in different ways, just like people do. Some trees get lots of sunlight and stretch their branches up to the sky, while others are pushed together by other trees and twist around them. Tree shape variation helps each tree find its own special spot in the forest.

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Examples

A tree near the edge of a forest grows tall like a tower.
Two trees growing close together twist around each other like dancing partners.
A small tree on a hilltop stretches wide as if trying to touch the sky.

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Categories: Environment · trees,botany,nature,tree growth,plant biology