What do deciduous and coniferous mean?

Deciduous and coniferous are two terms used to describe different types of trees.

Deciduous trees are trees that lose their leaves seasonally. This is in contrast to evergreen trees, which retain their leaves year-round. Deciduous trees typically lose their leaves in the fall or winter, when the days become shorter and the temperatures drop. This is because the leaves of deciduous trees are less efficient at photosynthesizing in low light conditions. By losing their leaves, deciduous trees can conserve water and energy during the winter months.

Coniferous trees are trees that bear cones. Cones are the reproductive structures of coniferous trees, and they contain the seeds of the tree. Coniferous trees are typically evergreen, meaning that they retain their leaves year-round. This is because the leaves of coniferous trees are covered in a waxy coating that helps to protect them from water loss. Coniferous trees are also able to photosynthesize in low light conditions, which allows them to survive in climates with long winters.

Some examples of deciduous trees include oak trees, maple trees, and birch trees. Some examples of coniferous trees include pine trees, fir trees, and spruce trees.