Scientists measured the pressure in the xylem of redwood trees at different heights and found that the higher they made their measurements,the lower the pressure.They extrapolated this to a pressure of zero,and concluded that the tallest a tree could grow is 122-130 meters.The tallest know tree on Earth is 112.7 meters.Which of the following most likely limits the height of trees?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The strength of water cohesion is crucial for maintaining the water column in the xylem against gravity. As trees grow taller, the cohesion of water molecules becomes a limiting factor, as it is harder to maintain the water column without it breaking, which limits the maximum height a tree can achieve.

Scientists Measured the Pressure in the Xylem of Redwood Trees