Trees — Reading Comprehension Lesson

Reading Passage

Trees

Trees are the largest plants on Earth. They can live for hundreds or even thousands of years, growing taller and wider each year. Trees are found on every continent except Antarctica and in nearly every climate — from tropical rainforests to cold boreal forests. A tree is defined as a woody plant with a single main stem, called a trunk, that grows to a height of at least five meters.

Trees have the same basic parts as other plants — roots, trunk, branches, leaves, flowers, and seeds — but each is adapted for life on a large scale. The roots of a large tree can spread as far underground as the branches spread above ground. They anchor the tree against wind and rain and absorb the water and nutrients the tree needs. The trunk supports the tree’s weight and carries water and food between the roots and leaves through a network of tubes called xylem and phloem.

There are two main types of trees: deciduous and evergreen. Deciduous trees lose their leaves each autumn and grow new ones in spring. This adaptation helps them conserve water and energy during cold winters. Common deciduous trees include oaks, maples, elms, and birches. Evergreen trees keep their leaves year-round. Most evergreens have needle-like or scale-like leaves covered in a waxy coating that reduces water loss. Pines, spruces, firs, and cedars are common evergreens.

Trees play a vital role in ecosystems. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to keep Earth’s atmosphere breathable. A single large tree can absorb as much as 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. Tree roots prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place. Forests regulate water flow by absorbing rain and releasing it slowly into streams and rivers. Millions of species of animals, insects, and fungi depend on trees for food and shelter.

Trees also provide enormous benefits to humans. They give us wood for building and fuel, fruit and nuts for food, and materials for medicines. Trees cool cities by providing shade and releasing water vapor. They increase property values, reduce noise, and improve air quality. Deforestation — the clearing of forests — is a serious global problem because it destroys habitats, releases stored carbon, and disrupts water cycles. Protecting and planting trees is one of the most effective ways to help the environment.

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