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Spruce needles are typically flat and attached directly to the twig, similar to fir trees.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruce needles are typically four-sided and attached singly to the twig via pulvini, leaving a rough texture, which distinguishes them from the flat needles of firs attached directly to the twig.
Spruce needles remain attached to the twig for a very short period, typically less than two years, before shedding.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruce needles typically remain attached to the twig for 4 to 10 years before shedding, not a short period of less than two years.
Spruce cones are similar to fir cones in that they disintegrate on the tree, releasing their seeds gradually.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruce cones have bracts visible at pollination that are later covered by scales, and they do not disintegrate on the tree. Fir cones, in contrast, disintegrate on the tree.
The shape and size of the cone scales are considered the least reliable feature for differentiating spruce species.
Answer: False
Explanation: The morphology of the cone scales, including their size, shape, and exposure, is considered the most reliable feature for differentiating spruce species.
The pulvinus is a type of cone scale found on spruce trees.
Answer: False
Explanation: The pulvinus is a small, peg-like structure at the base of each spruce needle that attaches it to the twig; it is not a cone scale.
Spruce cones have visible bracts at the time of pollination, which are later covered by seed scales.
Answer: True
Explanation: Spruce cones possess leaflike bracts visible during pollination, which are subsequently covered by the seed scales as the cone develops.
Which feature is key to botanically distinguishing spruce trees from other members of the Pinaceae family?
Answer: Their four-sided needles attached singly via pulvini, leaving twigs rough.
Explanation: The four-sided needles attached singly via pulvini, which leave twigs rough after shedding, are key distinguishing botanical features of spruce trees within the Pinaceae family.
What characteristic of spruce needles and their attachment is a key identifier?
Answer: Needles are four-sided, attached singly via pulvini, leaving twigs rough.
Explanation: Spruce needles are characteristically four-sided and attached singly to the twig via pulvini, a feature that leaves the twig rough after needle shedding.
How do spruce cones primarily differ in structure from fir (*Abies*) cones, according to the source?
Answer: Spruce cones have bracts visible at pollination that are later covered by seed scales, unlike fir cones.
Explanation: A key structural difference is that spruce cones have visible bracts at pollination, which are later covered by seed scales, whereas fir cones do not exhibit this feature.
What feature is considered the most reliable for differentiating between different species of spruce?
Answer: The structure of the cone scales (length, width, exposure).
Explanation: Taxonomic studies indicate that the morphology of the cone scales, including their size, shape, and degree of exposure, is the most reliable characteristic for differentiating spruce species.
What is the primary characteristic used for differentiating spruce species, according to taxonomic studies mentioned?
Answer: Cone scale morphology (size, shape, exposure)
Explanation: Taxonomic studies consistently identify cone scale morphology (size, shape, exposure) as the primary characteristic for differentiating spruce species.
What is the significance of the pulvinus in spruce morphology?
Answer: It is a small peg-like base where the needle attaches to the twig.
Explanation: The pulvinus is a small, peg-like structure at the base of each spruce needle, serving as its attachment point to the twig and leaving a rough texture after shedding.
Spruce trees belong to the genus *Picea*, which is primarily found in tropical rainforests.
Answer: False
Explanation: The genus *Picea* is predominantly found in the northern temperate and boreal (taiga) regions of the Northern Hemisphere, not tropical rainforests.
The Norway spruce (*Picea abies*) is recognized as the original Christmas tree and is native to North America.
Answer: False
Explanation: While *Picea abies* (Norway spruce) is recognized as the original Christmas tree, it is native to Europe, not North America.
The *Picea* genus first appeared in the fossil record during the Cenozoic Era, approximately 10 million years ago.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Picea* genus first appeared in the fossil record during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 130 million years ago, not the Cenozoic Era.
Transcriptome analysis suggests that *Picea* is most closely related to the genus *Abies* (firs) within the Pinaceae family.
Answer: False
Explanation: Transcriptome analysis indicates that *Picea* is most closely related to the genus *Cathaya*, not *Abies* (firs).
DNA analyses suggest that the *Picea* genus originated in Asia, with European species representing the earliest divergence.
Answer: False
Explanation: DNA analyses suggest that the *Picea* genus originated in North America, with some species showing basal positions in phylogenetic trees.
Heinrich Moritz Willkomm classified spruce species primarily based on seed cone characteristics in the late 19th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: Heinrich Moritz Willkomm revised the genus *Picea* using vegetative characteristics in the late 19th century; classification based on seed cone characteristics was performed later by Peter A. Schmidt.
Plants of the World Online currently recognizes 52 distinct species within the *Picea* genus.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of September 2025, Plants of the World Online recognizes 37 species of *Picea*, based on a 2006 study.
Spruce species classified under Clade I are predominantly found in Asia, while Clade II species are mainly in North America.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruce species in Clade I are predominantly found in northern and western North America, while Clade II species are distributed throughout Asia.
*Picea chihuahuana* and *Picea neoveitchii* are considered common and widespread species with no significant conservation concerns.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Picea chihuahuana* (Chihuahua spruce) and *Picea neoveitchii* (Veitch's spruce) are noted as rare or endangered species with significant conservation concerns.
The Siberian spruce (*Picea obovata*) is morphologically identical to the Norway spruce (*Picea abies*), differing only in its geographical range.
Answer: False
Explanation: While closely related and capable of hybridization, the Siberian spruce (*Picea obovata*) is distinguished from the Norway spruce (*Picea abies*) by its unique cone morphology, not solely by geographical range.
Spruces are generally more tolerant of heat than firs, leading to their distribution extending further south.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruces are generally less tolerant of heat than firs, which influences their distribution towards cooler climates and higher latitudes or altitudes.
The genus *Picea* is known to have originated in Europe, with later migrations to North America.
Answer: False
Explanation: DNA analyses suggest that the *Picea* genus originated in North America, with subsequent migrations leading to its current distribution.
The sequencing of spruce genomes has provided insights into their large size and genetic makeup, aiding evolutionary studies.
Answer: True
Explanation: The sequencing of spruce genomes has indeed provided significant insights into their large size, genetic makeup, and evolutionary history, aiding research in conifer genetics and adaptation.
Spruce trees are generally more tolerant of heat than fir trees.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruce trees are generally less tolerant of heat than fir trees, influencing their distribution towards cooler climates.
*Picea glauca* is commonly known as Engelmann spruce.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Picea glauca* is commonly known as White Spruce; Engelmann Spruce is *Picea engelmannii*.
What is the primary geographical region where the genus *Picea* (spruce trees) is predominantly found?
Answer: Northern temperate and boreal (taiga) regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Explanation: The genus *Picea* is predominantly distributed across the northern temperate and boreal (taiga) regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
According to the fossil record, when did the *Picea* lineage first appear?
Answer: During the Early Cretaceous period (approximately 130 million years ago).
Explanation: The *Picea* lineage first appeared in the fossil record during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 130 million years ago.
Which genus is identified by transcriptome analysis as the closest relative to *Picea* within the Pinaceae family?
Answer: *Cathaya*
Explanation: Transcriptome analysis indicates that *Cathaya* is the closest relative to *Picea* within the Pinaceae family.
What do DNA analyses suggest about the geographical origin of the *Picea* genus?
Answer: It originated in North America, with some species migrating elsewhere.
Explanation: DNA analyses suggest that the *Picea* genus originated in North America, with subsequent migrations leading to its current distribution.
Who revised the genus *Picea* using vegetative characteristics in 1887?
Answer: Heinrich Moritz Willkomm
Explanation: Heinrich Moritz Willkomm revised the genus *Picea* using vegetative characteristics in 1887.
According to Plants of the World Online (as of Sept 2025), how many species of *Picea* are recognized?
Answer: 37
Explanation: Plants of the World Online recognizes 37 species of *Picea* as of September 2025, based on a 2006 study.
Spruce species in Clade I are primarily distributed in which region?
Answer: Northern and Western North America
Explanation: Spruce species classified under Clade I are primarily distributed in northern and western North America.
Which of the following spruce species is noted as being rare or endangered?
Answer: *Picea chihuahuana* (Chihuahua Spruce)
Explanation: *Picea chihuahuana* (Chihuahua Spruce) is noted as a rare and endangered species.
How does the Siberian spruce (*Picea obovata*) primarily differ taxonomically from the Norway spruce (*Picea abies*)?
Answer: It possesses unique cone morphology.
Explanation: The Siberian spruce (*Picea obovata*) is taxonomically distinguished from the Norway spruce (*Picea abies*) primarily by differences in its cone morphology.
Compared to fir trees, how do spruces generally differ in their tolerance to heat?
Answer: Spruces are generally less tolerant of heat.
Explanation: Spruces exhibit lower tolerance to heat compared to fir trees, which influences their distribution towards cooler climates.
Which of the following genera is identified as the closest relative to *Picea* based on transcriptome analysis?
Answer: *Cathaya*
Explanation: Transcriptome analysis identifies *Cathaya* as the closest relative to *Picea* within the Pinaceae family.
The genus *Picea* first appeared in the fossil record during which geological period?
Answer: Early Cretaceous Period
Explanation: The genus *Picea* first appeared in the fossil record during the Early Cretaceous Period.
What is the common name for *Picea glauca*?
Answer: White Spruce
Explanation: The common name for *Picea glauca* is White Spruce.
The eastern spruce budworm and the European spruce bark beetle are minor pests with negligible impact on spruce forestry.
Answer: False
Explanation: The eastern spruce budworm and the European spruce bark beetle are significant pests that can cause considerable damage to spruce forestry.
Spruce seedlings face minimal threats during their first year of growth, making regeneration relatively straightforward.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruce seedlings face significant threats during their first year, including fungal diseases like snow mold, predation, and environmental factors, making regeneration challenging.
Spruce seedlings are considered fully established and resilient once they reach two years of age.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruce seedlings are typically considered established and resilient only after reaching four to five years of age, when they are less vulnerable to common environmental challenges.
Sirococcus blight is a disease managed effectively through widespread pesticide application across affected forests.
Answer: False
Explanation: Management of Sirococcus blight primarily relies on biosecurity measures, as chemical controls are limited due to the disease's spread via rain-splashed conidia.
Rhizosphaera needle cast primarily affects the upper branches of spruce trees, requiring fungicide treatment on new growth.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rhizosphaera needle cast primarily infects the oldest needles on the lower branches of spruce trees and can be controlled with fungicides protecting the needles.
Canker disease in spruce is primarily caused by a bacterial pathogen, and trees are more susceptible when well-hydrated.
Answer: False
Explanation: Canker disease in spruce is caused by the fungal pathogen *Leucostoma kunzei*, and trees are more susceptible when experiencing water stress, not when well-hydrated.
Small mammals like voles pose no significant threat to spruce regeneration as they primarily consume bark.
Answer: False
Explanation: Small mammals, such as voles, pose a significant threat to spruce regeneration by consuming seeds and seedlings, not just bark.
Which of the following is identified as a significant pest impacting spruce forestry?
Answer: The European spruce bark beetle (*Ips typographus*)
Explanation: The European spruce bark beetle (*Ips typographus*) is identified as a significant pest that impacts spruce forestry.
What ecological challenge poses a significant threat to young spruce seedlings during their first growing season and subsequent winter?
Answer: High susceptibility to fungal diseases like snow mold and predation.
Explanation: Young spruce seedlings face significant ecological challenges, including high susceptibility to fungal diseases such as snow mold and predation, particularly during their first year.
At what age are spruce seedlings generally considered 'established,' and what does this imply for their regeneration?
Answer: 4-5 years old
Explanation: Spruce seedlings are generally considered established and more resilient to environmental challenges once they reach four to five years of age.
How is Sirococcus blight primarily managed, according to the provided text?
Answer: Primarily via biosecurity measures, as chemical controls are limited.
Explanation: The management of Sirococcus blight primarily involves biosecurity measures, as chemical control options are limited.
What is the primary target location for Rhizosphaera needle cast infection on spruce trees?
Answer: The oldest needles on the lower branches.
Explanation: Rhizosphaera needle cast primarily infects the oldest needles found on the lower branches of spruce trees.
What causes canker disease in spruce, and what factors make trees more susceptible?
Answer: A fungus (*Leucostoma kunzei*); susceptibility increases with water stress.
Explanation: Canker disease in spruce is caused by the fungus *Leucostoma kunzei*, and trees are more susceptible when experiencing water stress.
How do small mammals like the short-tailed meadow vole impact spruce regeneration?
Answer: They consume seeds and seedlings, causing significant loss.
Explanation: Small mammals, such as the short-tailed meadow vole, significantly impact spruce regeneration by consuming seeds and seedlings, leading to substantial loss.
What role do red squirrels play concerning spruce cone crops?
Answer: They consume a large portion of the cone crop, reducing seed availability.
Explanation: Red squirrels consume a substantial portion of the spruce cone crop, thereby reducing seed availability for regeneration.
Spruce wood is primarily used for structural beams in heavy construction due to its high density and resistance to decay.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruce wood is valued for its strength-to-weight ratio and resonant qualities, used in general construction, crates, aircraft, and musical instruments, but it lacks high density and significant decay resistance for heavy structural beams.
"Old Tjikko" is a young spruce seedling that gained fame for its rapid growth rate.
Answer: False
Explanation: "Old Tjikko" is a Norway spruce in Sweden recognized as potentially the world's oldest living tree, aged 9,550 years through vegetative reproduction, not a young seedling known for rapid growth.
The Norway spruce (*Picea abies*) is culturally significant only as a symbol of the holiday season and has no major economic importance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Norway spruce (*Picea abies*) holds significant cultural importance as a holiday symbol and also possesses major economic importance as a source of timber and pulp.
Spruce wood is highly durable outdoors, lasting for many years without significant degradation from insects or fungi.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruce wood has poor resistance to insects and fungi after logging, limiting its outdoor durability to approximately 12-18 months, making it unsuitable for long-term outdoor use without treatment.
"Tonewood" refers to wood used in musical instruments, and spruce is unsuitable for this purpose due to its soft texture.
Answer: False
Explanation: "Tonewood" refers to wood valued for its acoustic properties in musical instruments. Spruce is highly suitable and preferred for soundboards due to its resonant qualities and ability to project sound clearly.
Native Americans traditionally used spruce roots for weaving baskets and sewing birch bark canoes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Native Americans traditionally utilized the pliable roots of certain spruce species for weaving baskets and for sewing birch bark canoes.
Captain Cook prepared spruce beer to combat vitamin deficiencies during his sea voyages.
Answer: True
Explanation: Captain Cook prepared spruce beer during his sea voyages as a measure to prevent scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency disease.
In Finland, young spruce buds are primarily used for making decorative wreaths.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Finland, young spruce buds are utilized as a spice in cuisine or boiled with sugar to create spruce bud syrup, rather than primarily for decorative wreaths.
Spruce wood is classified under the Canadian Lumber Standard (CLS) primarily for its use in outdoor decking.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spruce wood is commonly used in Canadian Lumber Standard (CLS) graded products, but its primary application is in indoor construction framing due to its poor resistance to outdoor decay, not specifically for decking.
The Paneveggio forest is known for its oak trees, which were historically favored by luthiers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Paneveggio forest is renowned for its Norway spruces (*Picea abies*), particularly valued for their wood quality by luthiers, not for oak trees.
Beyond timber and paper, what specialized use is highlighted for spruce wood due to its resonant qualities?
Answer: Construction of musical instrument soundboards (e.g., guitars).
Explanation: Due to its resonant qualities, spruce wood is highly valued for constructing soundboards in musical instruments such as guitars.
Which spruce species is historically recognized as the original Christmas tree?
Answer: *Picea abies* (Norway Spruce)
Explanation: The Norway spruce (*Picea abies*) is historically recognized as the original Christmas tree.
What historical event or practice involved spruce, specifically related to preventing scurvy?
Answer: The preparation of spruce beer by Captain Cook during sea voyages.
Explanation: Captain Cook's preparation of spruce beer during his sea voyages was a historical practice aimed at preventing scurvy.
Why is spruce wood generally not recommended for long-term outdoor use?
Answer: It has poor resistance to insects and fungi, limiting durability to about 12-18 months.
Explanation: Spruce wood is generally not recommended for long-term outdoor use due to its poor resistance to insects and fungi, which restricts its durability in outdoor applications.
What makes spruce wood a preferred material for "tonewood" in musical instruments?
Answer: Its ability to vibrate efficiently and project sound clearly due to resonant qualities.
Explanation: Spruce wood is preferred for tonewood due to its resonant qualities, enabling efficient vibration and clear sound projection, which are crucial for musical instrument acoustics.
How have spruce roots been traditionally used by Native Americans?
Answer: For weaving baskets and sewing birch bark canoes.
Explanation: Native American traditions include using spruce roots for weaving baskets and for sewing birch bark canoes.
The historical preparation of spruce beer by Captain Cook is linked to which preventative measure?
Answer: Preventing scurvy
Explanation: Captain Cook's preparation of spruce beer was historically linked to the preventative measure against scurvy.
Which of the following is a correct statement about the limitations of spruce wood?
Answer: It has poor resistance to insects and fungi, limiting outdoor durability.
Explanation: A significant limitation of spruce wood is its poor resistance to insects and fungi, which restricts its durability in outdoor applications.
The Norway spruces from the Paneveggio forest are particularly renowned for what reason?
Answer: Their exceptional wood quality for musical instruments.
Explanation: Norway spruces from the Paneveggio forest are particularly renowned for their exceptional wood quality, highly valued for musical instrument construction.
Which of the following is NOT a use of spruce mentioned in the source text?
Answer: Manufacturing of wooden ship masts
Explanation: While spruce is used for musical instruments, aircraft construction, and pulp production, the source text does not mention its use in manufacturing wooden ship masts.
The word "spruce" is derived from a Latin term meaning 'evergreen.'
Answer: False
Explanation: The word 'spruce' originates from Middle English *spruse*, referring to goods imported from Prussia, not from a Latin term meaning 'evergreen.'
What is the etymological origin of the word "spruce"?
Answer: It originated from Middle English *spruse*, referring to goods imported from Prussia.
Explanation: The word 'spruce' originates from Middle English *spruse*, denoting goods imported from Prussia, reflecting historical trade routes.