Question

As a tree grows, where does the majority of the matter come from that makes up the body of the tree?

A. from air and water
B. from water and soil
C. from soil and sunlight
D. from sunlight and water

Answer 1

The majority of the matter that makes up the body of a tree comes from:

B. from water and soil

While trees do require sunlight for photosynthesis, which is the process by which they convert sunlight into energy, the majority of the physical matter that makes up the tree's structure comes from water and nutrients absorbed from the soil. The roots of the tree absorb water and minerals from the soil, which are then transported up through the trunk and branches to support growth and development. Carbon dioxide from the air is also used during photosynthesis to produce sugars and other organic compounds, but it does not contribute as significantly to the physical mass of the tree as water and nutrients from the soil do.

Answer 2

The majority of a tree's mass comes from carbon absorbed from the air and water from the soil, with sunlight enabling photosynthesis to convert these into carbohydrates. Therefore, the correct answer is A. from air and water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The majority of the matter that makes up the body of a tree comes from air and water. While the roots absorb water through the soil, the most substantial component of the tree's mass is carbon, which is absorbed from the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide. Through the process of photosynthesis, which also requires sunlight, plants use this carbon to produce sugars/carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are fundamental building materials for the tree's growth and also provide energy through cellular respiration.

Therefore, the correct answer is A. from air and water. Soil provides water and mineral nutrients, whereas sunlight is essential for photosynthesis. However, it is the carbon from the atmosphere, combined with the water, which is transformed into organic matter forming the bulk of a tree's structure.