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 known 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 what limits the height of the tree because the process of transpiration relies on the cohesive properties of water to pull it up through the xylem. As the tree gets taller, the pressure required to maintain this process increases, and eventually, the cohesive forces of water become insufficient to sustain it. Therefore, the tree cannot grow any taller beyond a certain height. The other options are not directly related to the height limit of trees.

Scientists Measured the Pressure in the Xylem of Redwood Trees