solve the CHAPTER MYSTERY

THE HOLLOW TREE

The life of a strangler fig starts with a sticky seed deposited on a high tree branch by an animal such as a bird, bat, or monkey. At first, growth is slow because the roots have access only to the few dissolved nutrients found in the rainwater and leaf litter that collect in the crevices of the host's branches. But, after the first roots grow down the host's trunk and enter the ground, the fig's growth rate increases rapidly. The fig sends down many more roots. These roots become tangled and grafted together, crushing the host's bark and constricting the circulation of nutrients inside the phloem.

In addition, the fig's stems and leaves eventually grow taller than the host, shading it from the sun. This makes photosynthesis by the host less efficient. Below ground, the fig's roots compete with the host's roots for limited nutrients in the soil.

This triple punch—strangulation, competition for light, and competition for nutrients—usually kills the host. Left behind is an impressive “hollow” fig tree.

1. Use Analogies One scientist has described the strangler fig as a “vegetable octopus.” Explain how this analogy relates to the habits of the strangler fig.

2. Predict Plants that sprout and grow on top of other plants are called epiphytes. In what biome do you think epiphytes are most common? Explain your prediction.

3. Connect to the How is the structure of the strangler fig different from that of the “typical plant” you studied in this chapter? Compare the advantages and disadvantages of a rain-forest plant that sprouts in the soil versus one that sprouts high off the ground.