Trees that live on after toppling and that can create new trees from branches of the original with their own roots and everything. Not to be confused with nurse logs which are dead fallen trees that provide a great environment for new trees and plants to grow in. When the original finally decays you end up with a neat straight line of trees.

Nurse log

So we all know the magical green chlorophyll, but leaves also contain carotenoids. As chlorophyll fades the golden oranges of carotenoids start to shine through. You may recognise one carotenoid, beta-carotene, from carrots. Another carotenoid, xanthophyll, is responsible for the beautiful bright yellows. The leaves of some trees also produce anthocyanin as Autumn begins that gives beautiful deep reds.

Autumn leaves and the compounds that cause their colours

Funny how it can take nearly 40 years to learn that something as commonplace as the stereotypical owl sound is made, not by one owl, but as a duet between the male and female tawny owls.

Also see: how owls’ necks turn so far around, or why do birds migrate so far.

The classic twit-twoo is actually a duet

A distinctive line below which you don’t tend to see leaves or branches in places with animals that like eating leaves or branches. Basically, caused by animals eating as high as they can reach — except for where there are giraffes where trees don’t stand much of a chance, even spiky ones.

Sketchplanations tagged with trees