Do trees have memories? - 6 Minute English

Can plants ’remember’ stressful situations, such as droughts or pests? And if so, does it make them stronger and better able to fight disease? Sam and Neil discuss the topic and teach you related vocabulary. This week’s question Trees grow a new ring every year and by counting them we can estimate their age. One of Earth’s longest living trees is The Great Bristlecone Pine, found on the west coast of America. But how long can these trees live? a) over 1,000 years b) over 3,000 years c) over 5,000 years Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary immune system cells and organs which protect the human body from infection and disease food chain plants and animals that are linked in a chain because each thing eats something weaker than it, and gets eaten by something stronger opportunistic takes advantage of a situation to gain benefit, often without thinking whether the action is right or wrong hypothesis idea that explains how or why something happens which has yet to be tested to see if it’s correct drought long period of time with little or no rain not bothered (about something) not worried or concerned because it’s not important to you To download the audio and a transcript, go to: [Cover: Getty Images] More 6 Minute English episodes: How green is nuclear energy? Why we forget the things we learn Should fast food sponsor sport? Grime: Music from architecture ’I love my language!’ How can we make the web a better place? ​​ #bbclearningenglish #learnenglish #trees #flora #immunesystem #foodchain #plants #forest