A 20-Foot-Tall Tree That Seemed to Have Stopped Growing Was

question 16

Multiple Choice

A 20-foot-tall tree that seemed to have stopped growing was cut down by the forester who was concerned that it might be diseased. She had planted it 43 years earlier. Measurements over the past 10 years had shown that the tree's height varied only 2 or 3 inches each year, some years with a height increase and some years with a height decrease. Other data indicated that the tree had 41 rings of similar width and had produced similar numbers of nuts every year for the last 30 years. Based on these data, which conclusion was most likely a part of the forester's report on the tree's health?

• A) All growth in this tree stopped 10 years ago.
• B) This was a healthy tree that had reached its mature height but otherwise continued normal growth.
• C) Overactivity of the tree's apical meristems likely caused the stunted growth.
• D) The tree did not grow taller because it was putting all of its energy production into nut production.

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Definitions:

Corpus Callosum

A network of fibers that connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres of the brain. Its maturation from early childhood through adolescence contributes to coordination and integration of information and aids in the development of consciousness.

Coordination

The ability to efficiently organize and execute smooth, accurate, and purposeful movements or to synchronize activities among different components or individuals.

NeoPiagetians

Theorists who explain Piaget’s stages or revise the stages using many information processing concepts. These theorists attempt to combine the best components of both Piagetian and information processing approaches.

Cognitive Development

This refers to the growth of mental processes and capabilities, including thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, across a person's lifespan.