The best method to determine the age of tree is

Options

A. measure its diameter
B. count the number of leaves
C. count the number of annual rings at the base of main stem
D. find out the number of branches.

Answer

To determine the age of a tree, follow these steps:

1. **Understand Tree Growth**: Trees grow in diameter over the years, and this growth is facilitated by a layer of tissue called the vascular cambium. Each year, this cambium produces a new layer of wood.

2. **Identify Annual Rings**: The new layer of wood produced each year forms what is known as an annual ring or growth ring. These rings can be seen in a cross-section of the tree trunk.

3. **Count the Annual Rings**: To determine the age of the tree, you need to count the number of these annual rings. Each ring corresponds to one year of growth.

4. **Use Dendrochronology**: The scientific method of counting these rings to determine the age of a tree is called dendrochronology. This method is reliable because it directly correlates the number of rings to the number of years the tree has been alive.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the best method to determine the age of a tree is to count the number of annual rings at the base of the main stem.