October Rust Trivia Quiz

Answer:

Deciduous trees are characterised by seasonal leaf shedding and colour change through a process called leaf senescence. As daylight hours decrease and temperatures drop in autumn, chlorophyll production slows, releasing pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins. Carotenoids produce yellows and oranges, while anthocyanins contribute reds and purples. This vibrant display, which signals preparation for winter dormancy, varies according to species and environmental conditions. Here are twelve examples:

English oak (Quercus robur): Found throughout Europe in a variety of habitats including woodlands and parks. Known for its strong, durable wood and iconic lobed leaves that turn golden brown in autumn before shedding for the winter.

Silver birch or European white birch (Betula pendula): Widespread throughout Europe, especially in boreal forests and open woodlands. Known for its distinctive white bark and delicate, fluttering leaves that turn bright yellow in autumn, typical of deciduous trees.

European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus): Native to Europe, often found in mixed broadleaf woods and hedgerows. Characterised by smooth grey bark and serrated leaves that turn bright yellow and orange in autumn.

European white elm (Ulmus laevis): Native to Europe, favours riparian and floodplain habitats. Recognisable by its broad, asymmetrical leaves and scaly bark, which turns yellow in autumn before the leaves drop.

Common alder (Alnus glutinosa): Widespread throughout Europe, thriving in damp environments such as wetlands and riverbanks. Known for its conical catkins and serrated leaves, which turn a rusty yellow before dropping in autumn.

Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus): Native to Europe, often found in mixed broadleaf woods and urban areas. Characterised by large, palmate leaves and winged seeds that turn fiery shades of red and orange in autumn.

Common hazel (Corylus avellana): Widespread throughout Europe, especially in woods and hedgerows. Known for its twisted branches and serrated leaves that turn from green to golden yellow before dropping in autumn.

European rowan or European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia): Widespread throughout Europe, thriving in mountainous regions and mixed woodlands. Recognisable by its clusters of bright red berries and pinnate leaves that turn vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn.

Red oak (Quercus rubra): Native to North America, widespread in hardwood forests and woodlands. Known for its deeply lobed leaves with pointed tips that turn brilliant shades of red in autumn, a characteristic of deciduous trees.

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum): Native to North America, prominent in hardwood forests and maple groves. Famous for its vibrant foliage, which turns from green to shades of yellow, orange and red in autumn, a characteristic of deciduous trees.

American beech (Fagus grandifolia): Found in eastern North America, prevalent in mixed hardwood forests. Known for its smooth, grey bark and shiny, oval leaves that turn golden bronze in autumn before dropping.

White ash (Fraxinus americana): Native to eastern North America, thriving in a variety of habitats including forests and floodplains. Known for its compound leaves and distinctive diamond-shaped bark, which turns deep purple before dropping in autumn.

Unlike deciduous trees, evergreen trees retain their foliage throughout the year due to their unique adaptation of needle-like or scale-like leaves with a thick cuticle and reduced surface area. These leaves contain chlorophyll and other pigments that facilitate photosynthesis, even during the winter months. As a result, evergreens do not undergo the same physiological changes in response to seasonal changes in light and temperature. They do not shed leaves or change colour to conserve energy during colder periods. Their constant green appearance helps them to maximise photosynthesis and maintain growth throughout the year. Some examples given in the quiz are:

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies), Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), European holly (Ilex aquifolium), Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)