Why Are There No Holes Around Trees?

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell • 2026-01-07T15:00:13Z • 11:21 • intermediate • Science

Lead

Have you ever wondered how trees, the giants of the plant kingdom, manage to grow so tall without leaving holes in the ground? Discover the fascinating secrets behind their incredible growth and survival strategies!

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Quiz

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Q1. What is the primary material that trees harvest from the air to grow?

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Q2. How much air must a tree process to obtain one tonne of carbon?

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Q3. What role do roots play in a tree's survival besides absorbing water?

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Q4. What do trees and fungi form to help each other thrive?

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Q5. What percentage of the world's free oxygen comes from trees?

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Vocabulary

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ingenious

/ɪnˈdʒiː.njəs/

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Definition

clever, original, and inventive.

Example

The engineer came up with an ingenious solution to the problem.

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sophisticated

/səˈfɪs.tɪ.keɪ.tɪd/

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Definition

having a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture.

Example

The software is very sophisticated, capable of performing complex tasks.

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biomass

/ˈbaɪ.oʊˌmæs/

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Definition

the total mass of organisms in a given area or volume.

Example

The biomass of the forest is essential for the ecosystem's health.

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photosynthesis

/ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/

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Definition

the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Example

Photosynthesis is crucial for converting solar energy into chemical energy.

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respiration

/ˌrɛs.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/

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Definition

the process of breathing; the act of inhaling and exhaling air.

Example

Cellular respiration is vital for converting glucose into energy in living organisms.

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alliance

/əˈlaɪ.əns/

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Definition

a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations.

Example

The two companies formed an alliance to collaborate on new technology.

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