Whether you’re a wise oak or a sapling growing its first leaves, it is time to put your tree knowledge to the test in The Queen’s Green Canopy tree quiz. From the incredible “Dynamite tree” to the home of Peter Rabbit, join us on this intriguing journey. Answers can be found at the bottom of the page.
1. How can you tell how old a tree is?
A. How many branches it has B. The colour of its leaves C. The number of rings inside its trunk D. Through measuring its roots
2. The Whomping Willow is a tree from which series of books?
A. The Lord of the Rings B. A Series of Unfortunate Events C. The Chronicles of Narnia D. Harry Potter
3. How do trees benefit us?
A. Through slowing the rate of climate change B. By helping to prevent flooding C. Providing a home to lots of wildlife D. Cleaning our air
4. What is the purpose of tree bark?
A. To stop them falling over B. It serves as a protective barrier for the tree C. Absorbing sunlight D. Cleaning the air
5. What element do trees store large quantities of in their tissues?
A. Carbon B. Honey C. Electricity D. Stone
6. Amber is made from which fossilised part of a tree?
A. Leaves B. Resin C. Roots D. Fruit
7. Why is the sandbox tree nicknamed the "Dynamite Tree”?
A. Its leaves make a popping sound B. The leaves are crushed and used to make dynamite C. Dynamite was originally tested on the trees D. Its fruit explodes, sending seeds flying at 150mph
8. How long have trees been on Earth for?
A. Since the big bang B. 100 million years C. 370 million years D. 500 million years
9. In Europe the average country has 38% covered in forest. What percentage of the UK is covered in forest?
A. 13% B. 28% C. 50% D. 74%
10. Peter Rabbit lived in a burrow of which type of tree?
A. Fir B. Ash C. Hawthorn D. Birch
Answers
1. How can you tell how old a tree is?
C) The number of rings inside its trunk
These rings show the tree’s cycle of growth, with the lighter rings showing spring growth and the dark rings showing its growth during late summer, early Autumn. There are ways of telling how old a tree is without it needing to be felled. While trees grow at different rates pending on things like soil quality and light levels, you can get a rough estimate of tree age by measuring the tree’s circumference and dividing it by 2.5. Go and measure a local tree and find out how old it is!
2. The Whomping Willow is a tree from which series of books?
D) Harry Potter
Did you guess it correctly? The Whomping Willow is a magical tree from the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Its large branches act like arms and can attack anyone who gets too close!
3. How do trees benefit us?
1. Through slowing the rate of climate change
2. By helping to prevent flooding
3. Providing a home to lots of wildlife
4. Cleaning our air
If you chose any of the above answers, then you’re correct. Trees have a huge number of benefits and that’s why we need to do our best to protect them.
4. What is the purpose of tree bark?
B) It serves as a protective barrier for the tree
The role of bark is to protect the tree. Whether it is protecting the tree from water loss, warding off bacteria and fungus or shielding it from the sun’s scorching heat, bark is pretty impressive.
5. What element do trees store large quantities of in their tissues?
Carbon
Trees absorb carbon during photosynthesis, which is then used to help the tree grow. Once the tree has absorbed the carbon it has been “captured”. By removing carbon from our atmosphere, trees help slow the rate of climate change.
6. Amber is made from which fossilised part of a tree?
B) Resin
Amber is the fossilized remains of resin, which is produced by trees in response to wound, helping to seal the wound and keeping out harmful intruders. Sometimes insects can get trapped in the amber, preserving them for millions of years.
7. Why is the sandbox tree nicknamed the “Dynamite Tree”?
D) Its fruit explodes, sending seeds flying at 150mph
The “Dynamite Tree” is one of nature’s many wonders. The sandbox tree is covered in spikes, contains toxic sap, and has exploding fruit. Nicknamed the “Dynamite Tree,” its fruit explodes when ripe, sending hardened seeds over a 60-foot radius at 150 miles per hour.
8. How long have trees been on Earth for?
C) 370 million years
It is estimated that trees have existed for around 370 million years. To put that into context, dinosaurs became extinct 66 million years ago. Amazing!
9. In Europe the average country has 38% covered in forest. What percentage of the UK is covered in forest?
1. 13%
Research shows that just 13% of the UK is covered in forest. The good news is that we can help change that, by planting trees and protecting the ones we have.
10. Peter Rabbit lived in a burrow of which type of tree?
1. Fir
In The Tale of Peter Rabbit, ‘a very big fir-tree’ is where Peter Rabbit and his family call home.
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How did you do?
Has learning about trees made you feel inspired to plant your own tree? Visit our Get Involved page to find out how to take part in The Queen’s Green Canopy.
