Question

A nail is inserted in the trunk of a tree at a height of 1 metre from the ground level. After 3 years the nail will

Options

• move downwards

• move upwards

• remain at the same position

• move sideways

Answer 1

remain at the same position

The nail will remain at the same position after 3 years, but will appear to have sunk into the tree. This is because of the secondary growth of the tree which increases the girth of a tree. The increase in height of the plant will occur due to primary growth which occurs only in the regions of the apical meristems i.e. at the tips of the main stem or branches. As increase in height of the tree takes place from top only, therefore the nail will remain at the same position as it is inserted near the ground level.