What is the definition of a tree?

The definition of a tree focuses on its essential characteristics that differentiate it from other types of plants. A tree is classified as a woody perennial, which means it is a plant that typically lives for many years and has a hard stem, or trunk, that supports it. The specified height, generally understood to be greater than 12-15 feet, helps delineate trees from shrubs and smaller plants, as they are usually characterized by their upright growth and substantial height.

Having one or several trunks is also a key feature; it indicates the structural support and growth habit typical of trees. This definition captures the essence of what constitutes a tree, emphasizing its woody nature and significant height, which plays a crucial role in identifying and classifying different kinds of vegetation within an ecosystem. Other options, while they contain aspects of plant definition, do not accurately encapsulate all the required features of what a tree is, especially in terms of height and woody structure.