Q20 — Tree Age Estimation — Annual Ring Growth
The circumference of the trunk of an oak tree is 282.6 cm near its base. The average width of annual rings is 0.5 cm, while the thickness of the bark is 2 cm. Annual rings can be used to determine the age of a tree.
Example cross-section of a tree trunk, showing annual growth rings.
Using the information and figures, determine whether the following statements are true or false.
A. All annual rings have the same width.
B. Light parts of the wood correspond to wide vessels, which grow during summer.
C. Bark does not have year rings.
D. The approximate age of the tree would be 86 years.
Question reproduced from IBO 2022, Theoretical Paper 1, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — attributed to the International Biology Olympiad. Open the full exam PDF · Community solutions (unofficial)