Final answer:
Persistence conditions for a lump of matter depend on physical and chemical stability, remaining unchanged unless acted upon. In contrast, a tree's persistence involves complex biological processes and environmental interactions, as it grows and adapts over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The persistence conditions for a lump of matter, such as a rock or a piece of clay, differ from those for a living organism like a tree. A lump of matter remains relatively unchanged over time unless external forces or conditions such as temperature, pressure, or chemical processes act upon it. For example, a lump of clay might maintain its form until it's physically manipulated or eroded by environmental factors.
Conversely, a tree is a living organism that undergoes continuous changes. It grows by absorbing water, carbon dioxide, and other nutrients, primarily performing photosynthesis to create organic matter. The tree's persistence is dependent on its ability to carry out these biological processes and its interactions with the environment, which are far more complex than those of a mere lump of matter.
In summary, the persistence of a lump of matter is fundamentally influenced by physical continuity and chemical stability, while a tree's persistence is reliant on its ongoing biological processes and its ecosystem's balance.