If a storm breaks off the top of a tree, within a year or two, one of the lower branches will grow upward and become the new tree top, while inhibiting other branches from doing the same. This is an example of:

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This process is known as apical dominance, where the growth of the apical meristem (topmost growing point) inhibits the growth of lower lateral branches. When the apical meristem is damaged or removed, the lateral branches are released from inhibition and can start to grow upward to become the new leader.

If a Storm Breaks Off the Top of a Tree