Question 1: What is the common name of the plant Aloe dichotoma found in Southern Africa?
A Quiver Tree
B Bottle Tree
C Baobab Tree
The plant Aloe dichotoma is commonly known as the quiver tree, named by the Indigenous San people who used its hollow branches to make quivers for arrows. This striking plant is unique to Southern Africa.
Correct Answer: Quiver Tree
Question 2: Why are quiver trees essential to their ecosystem?
A They offer nesting sites for birds in scarce landscapes.
B They produce fruit that nourishes local wildlife.
C They are a source of medicinal compounds.
Quiver trees provide rare perches and nesting sites for birds, which is vital in desert regions where other trees are uncommon, contributing to the ecosystem’s biodiversity.
Correct Answer: They offer nesting sites for birds in scarce landscapes.
Question 3: What is the primary reason quiver trees can thrive in harsh desert conditions?
A They store water in their thick trunks.
B They use photosynthesis more efficiently than other plants.
C Their roots extract moisture from deep underground.
Quiver trees have adapted to desert life by developing thick trunks that store water, enabling them to survive long periods without rainfall and endure extreme heat.
Correct Answer: They store water in their thick trunks.