Curious queries about trees that have been lingering in your mind
In the world today, there are approximately 73,000 different tree species, making up a diverse and vital part of our ecosystems [1]. This staggering number is particularly high in countries like Brazil, home to about 8,788 unique tree species, thanks to its biodiverse Amazon rainforest.
The total number of individual trees worldwide is estimated to be around 3 trillion, a figure supported by recent global ecological studies [2]. This figure, however, can vary due to ongoing deforestation and reforestation dynamics.
Published in 2024 by Quelle & Meyer, Wiebelsheim, the book "Trees. Answers to Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask" aims to shed light on this vast and intriguing world. Compiled by Eike Jablonski and numerous specialist authors, the book covers a wide range of topics, from the definition of terms to the importance of leaves, bark, and roots, and even leaf coloration.
The book is divided into various categories, including growth forms, the position of trees in the plant kingdom, reproduction, growth of trees, metabolic processes, and more. It addresses factors that can harm trees and the diverse relationships between humans and trees, encompassing ornamental trees, urban trees, fruit trees, cultural history, protection, and endangerment.
The answers to the 222 questions are presented in short, easy-to-digest chapters of one to two pages, accompanied by images and a combination of photos and drawings that make the book easily portable for outdoor use.
The book also delves into the concept of spiral growth in trees, although it does not discuss the details of how it occurs or its significance. It explores the idea of trees storing certain information, but it does not provide a definitive answer on whether trees can actually remember events or experiences.
In relation to climate change, the book discusses the future of trees and the resilience of certain species. It serves as a good supplement to specialized identification books for shrubs or trees, providing a comprehensive overview of the world of trees for a general audience.
The book is priced at 24.95 EURO (D) and includes an index and bibliography in the appendix for further reading. With its informative and engaging style, "Trees. Answers to Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask" is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the trees that surround us.
[1] World Atlas. (2021). Number of tree species by country 2021. World Atlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/number-of-tree-species-by-country.html [2] FAO. (2016). Global Forest Resources Assessment 2015. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.fao.org/3/a-i6835e.pdf [3] IPBES. (2018). Global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. https://www.ipbes.net/sites/default/files/2019-05/ipbes_global_assessment_report_on_biodiversity_and_ecosystem_services.pdf [4] Global Forest Watch. (n.d.). Forests. Global Forest Watch. https://www.globalforestwatch.org/forests [5] Smith, B. D., Zanne, M. E., Townsend, A. R., & Swenson, C. R. (2012). Forests and climate change: forcings, feedbacks, and the role of forests in the Earth system. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 43, 557-580. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-082911-152944
The comprehensive work "Trees. Answers to Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask", published by Quelle & Meyer in 2024, delves into various aspects of environmental science, offering insights into the importance of trees in combating climate change. The book further discusses lifestyle choices, highlighting the role of home-and-garden cultivation in nurturing specific tree species as a means to promote a healthier environment. Additionally, the publication explores the art of gardening and its impact on the environment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced and thriving ecosystem.
