What is the primary difference between deciduous and evergreen trees?

• A. Deciduous shed leaves seasonally; evergreen stay green year round
• B. Deciduous stay green year round; evergreen shed leaves seasonally
• C. Deciduous have needles; evergreen do not
• D. Deciduous are shorter than evergreen

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how trees handle their leaves across the seasons. Deciduous trees shed their leaves seasonally, usually in autumn, to conserve water and energy during unfavorable conditions like winter or dry periods. They grow new leaves in spring, so their canopy isn’t there all year. Evergreen trees keep their foliage year-round, with needles or small leaves that persist through multiple seasons, allowing photosynthesis to continue even in winter.

That’s why this choice is the best: it captures the straightforward contrast in leaf retention. It’s not about leaf shape or tree height—evergreens can have needles, and deciduous trees can have broad leaves, and both can vary in size.