Here are the 10 most missed questions on the 2007 Kentucky Envirothon forestry exam. 

The first part of the exam had 10 common forestry tools to identify. The tools most missed were the dibble bar, wedge prism and fire swatter.

Two questions were asked about the use of specific tools. On what kind of fire would you use a fire swatter? The answer is a grass fire. This tool is used mostly in the western part of Kentucky on grassy, field fires. What is a wedge prism used for? A wedge prism is used to measure basal area of a stand of trees.

Question 14 asked for identification of points on a tree cookie/cross section. The correct name of the part and its function were to be recorded. The answers were:

1. Cambium – Makes new cells.
2. Heartwood – Provides strength to the tree.
3. Xylem (sapwood) – Moves nutrients and water up the tree from the roots.
4. Phloem – Moves food from the leaves to the rest of the tree.
5. Bark – Provides protection to the tree.

Question 16 related to photosynthesis and was also on the National Canon Web site as a question used in the past. Explain photosynthesis as it relates to the lifecycle of a tree. (Use a diagram and language to complete your answer.) Photosynthesis requires the elements of sunlight, air, water and nutrients.  Tree roots absorb water and minerals and carry them to the leaves, where they come into contact with chlorophyll and air. Sunlight passes into a leaf, strikes the chlorophyll and gives it energy to break water molecules apart. The hydrogen from a water molecule combines with carbon compounds from carbon dioxide, which comes from air. The resulting carbohydrates (starches and sugars) are the plant’s food. The leaf releases oxygen from the broken water molecule through the process of transpiration. 6CO2 + 12 H2O + (energy from sunlight) = C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O

Questions related to tree measurement continue to be answered incorrectly. Tree measurement is not something that you can learn from reading a book. It takes practice, practice, practice. The diameter measurement should be taken to the nearest two-inch diameter class. There usually isn’t much problem here. Most of the problems occur with merchantable height. Merchantable height measurement should be done to the nearest one-half log (a log is 16 feet). Determining merchantable height requires practice. Teams are getting better. Keep up the good work.

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