Evergreen trees are defined as what?

• A. a tree that sheds leaves in winter
• B. a tree that does not lose its leaves in the winter and stays green all year round
• C. a tree that loses leaves in summer
• D. a tree with needles that drop yearly

Answer: (B)

Evergreen trees keep their foliage year-round. They do not shed all their leaves in winter, so the tree stays green throughout the year and can continue photosynthesizing whenever conditions allow. This is an adaptation that helps them conserve energy and survive in climates where growing periods can be short or where retaining leaves reduces water loss. In practice, some evergreens shed older needles gradually over time, but they don’t become completely leafless in winter like deciduous trees do. Examples include pines, spruces, firs, and many broadleaf evergreens like holly.