Final answer:
The sentence provides a denotative definition of 'deciduous', describing trees and shrubs that annually shed leaves to adapt to seasonal changes. Deciduous plants conserve resources during winter and invest energy in leaf regrowth in spring, contrasting with evergreen species.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dictionary definition of deciduous provided in the sentence is a denotative definition. This type of definition states the explicit, direct meaning of a term, as it is used in a specific context. In this case, it describes trees and shrubs that shed their leaves each year. Deciduous trees and plants adapt to seasonal changes by shedding their leaves primarily in autumn to conserve water and reduce the energy needed to maintain them during the harsher winter conditions. These plants then invest significant energy and matter to regrow new leaves in the spring. This contrasts with evergreen plants, which retain their leaves year-round.
Seasonal Adaptations of Deciduous Plants
Deciduous plants undergo a period of dormancy during the winter when there is little to no photosynthesis. Come spring, as temperatures rise, these plants start a new growth cycle by developing fresh leaves, which requires ample energy, sourced from stored nutrients. Deciduous forests, which prominently feature these types of trees, have a period of high productivity in warmer seasons and a dormant phase in the colder months, resulting in a cyclical pattern of growth and rest.