Difference between Plant and Tree

Since time immemorial plants and animals support each other to establish an equilibrium in the world. Although plants and trees are considered synonymous yet both of them have a few significant differences in their character. The trees are much bigger and they can further be classified based on several factors. The green leaves of plants provide us with oxygen for our survival. They minimize the existing carbon dioxide and make the surrounding environment cooler. Apart from this plants also feed humans and animals, provide wood that is essential for the construction of buildings, tools, and furniture and enrich the soil with nutrients. The serenity of the ancient ages is maintained by their timeless existence in the forests, woodlands, villages or even amongst the urban areas. Whenever we address the natural vegetation of a particular place we must not neglect the small plants. They are also known as herbs and shrubs. Small plants can easily be planted inside houses, offices, lawns, or anywhere to add an aesthetic statement. They keep the air fresh and many of them have numerous health benefits.

Difference between Plants and Trees

Trees are considerably bigger when compared to plants and they have a foundation on a single thick woody trunk. Plants on the other hand are characterized by the main branch which is thinner compared to the trunk. From this main branch or stem, many smaller branches grow to hold leaves, flowers, and fruits as the plant develops.

Trees appear to be perennial while plants need more care to fulfill their nutritional requirements. Some plants have a typical life span of one or a few years after which they wither away even after utmost care.

Trees are autotrophic. They produce their food from sunlight by using chlorophyll pigments that are active during the daytime. A few plants are heterotrophic that depend on insects and small creatures as they cannot prepare their food.

Trees show resilience against sudden adverse climatic conditions. They survive a severe storm even if large portions are damaged. Plants protect themselves by taking shelter from big trees or structures. Humans also sow them strategically in places where they may get sufficient protection as they are more prone to die.

Trees have a stronger presence owing to their stout woody trunk. The factor that decides the strength of certain plants is the development of cork cambium. Cambium is a special tissue found in the epidermal layer of numerous plants. This meristematic tissue initiates the secondary growth in trees that restores the softer epidermis of shoots and roots. As a result, we can notice bulky trunks in the trees. 

Importance of Plants

Plants have a huge impact on over 90% of the earth’s biodiversity. They are vital medicinal sources. Forestry also provides livelihood to many indigenous populations.

Plants absorb air pollutants like carbon monoxide, ozone, and nitrogen oxides through their leaves. This clarifies the air and makes the climate cooler, minimizing the greenhouse effect.

The water cycle runs smoothly as plants absorb water from the soil to fulfill their nutritional requirements. This helps to resist landslides, erosion, and floods. In tropical areas, rainforests play a huge role in the life of the wildlife population. 

Plants have a healing impact as they help to reduce stress. 

Plantation helps many families sustain themselves by providing them with vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. which they can sell in exchange for cash in the market. 

Importance of Trees

As mentioned above, trees come with extra benefits when compared to plants. Many trees have notable medicinal value like the quinine tree that gives us the antidote for malaria. Also, there is a birch tree from the bark of which we can extract essential oils that cure septic. 

Trees shelter wildlife and promote biodiversity. When trees are younger, small insects inhabit them. As they grow and develop strong branches, birds get attracted to build nests on their branches or drill holes in the trunk. Small trees feed animals like cattle, deer, and other bovine species. While in dense forests we witness tall canopies growing next to each other to cover the sky. They present ideal conditions for smaller shrubs and grasses to grow in the soil that shelters insects, arthropods, and small reptile species. 

Trees clarify the atmosphere by removing dust particles. The trunk and leaves absorb the greenhouse gases and serve as carbon sinks. Trees protect the human race from harmful UV radiation from the Sun and reduce the chances of skin cancer. 

Trees play a role in controlling noise pollution by absorbing sound waves in a process called refraction. They also generate soothing sounds like the rustling of leaves. 

Conclusion

Both plants and trees should be planted to secure the future of the world. Urbanization has led to the cutting of trees due to increased industrial and dwelling requirements. To combat this afforestation must be adopted in places where this is scope. Plants regulate the optimal oxygen level in the atmosphere. Trees hold the soil tightly and protect our lands from erosion. People need natural vegetation for their sustenance. Irrigation techniques could be implemented to utilize arid landscapes. Even though plants and trees are physically distinguishable, both are equally important to enrich our planet. 

Also see:

• Difference between karyokinesis and cytokinesis
• Difference between biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand
• Difference between absolute poverty and relative poverty
• Difference between meristematic tissue and permanent tissue
• Difference between random sampling and non-random sampling
• Difference between vegetative cell and generative cell
• Difference between parenchyma and collenchyma cells
• Difference between kwashiorkor and marasmus