Certified Arborist Practice Exam

What is the primary factor influencing growth habits such as upright, pyramidal, and weeping?

1. Growth habits

2. Bark texture, flowers, fruit, smell, color

3. Upright, pyramidal, and weeping

4. Overall physical health

The correct answer is: Growth habits

The primary factor influencing growth habits such as upright, pyramidal, and weeping is rooted in the genetic characteristics of the plant species. These growth habits are determined by the inherent genetics that dictate how a tree or plant will grow in shape and form. While overall physical health can affect how a plant appears at a certain time, it does not define the fundamental growth habit, which is genetically programmed. Bark texture, flowers, fruit, smell, and color are traits that contribute to a plant's overall identity but are not the main driver of its growth form. The specific terminology used in the question directly reflects the different growth habits, which are classifications based on genetic growth patterns. Thus, the correct choice highlights the foundational influence of these traits on a plant's growth dynamics.