ISA Certified Arborist Practice Exam

Which term is used to describe the loss of leaves in the fall?

1. Evergreen

2. Deciduous

3. Boreal

4. Tropical

The correct answer is: Deciduous

The correct term used to describe the loss of leaves in the fall is "Deciduous." Deciduous trees shed their leaves seasonally as a strategy to survive the cold winter months. This process helps these trees conserve energy and nutrients during winter dormancy. Option A, "Evergreen," refers to trees that retain their foliage throughout the year, shedding leaves gradually rather than all at once. Option C, "Boreal," is a term that describes a forest biome characterized by cold climates and coniferous trees, while option D, "Tropical," refers to regions near the equator with warm climates and lush vegetation that does not typically experience deciduous leaf loss.