Burl

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/burl

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific classification?Anomalous tree growth resulting from hyperplasia of xylem
2. What is the primary inducers?Physical trauma, insect activity, viral or fungal infections
3. Why do trees develop burls?Trees develop burls when they are stressed by things like storms, logging, insects, or disease. The stress makes the cambium grow too much, creating the burl.
4. How is burl wood different from regular wood?Burl wood has swirling, chaotic patterns instead of straight lines. This makes it very pretty and valuable for furniture, instruments, and decorations.

Hyperplasia: An increase in the number of cells in a tissue, leading to abnormal enlargement.
Vascular Cambium: A lateral meristem responsible for secondary growth, producing xylem and phloem.
Xylem: The principal water-conducting tissue in plants, forming wood.