Tree as a living creature.

Tree.

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With more urban settlements coming into existence, some people tend to forget the benefits of having trees and short grasses around us. They are part of us because they are living creatures (living things include plants and animals) in their own world. Have you ever meditated on why some trees and grasses grow on their own without being planted? Yes! Trees and grasses can grow on their own. Here are some natural ways they grow, so you won't get confused when they sprout out from the ground without a visible cause.

1. Gravity: Fruits like apples fall to the ground and the seeds grow nearby.
2. Wind: Maple trees have structures that help them float and travel.
3. Water: Seeds from coconut trees can float and be carried by water.
4. Animals: Some animals, such as insects and birds, feed on fruits and drop seeds on the  ground; therefore, sprouting.
5. Explosive mechanism: Some plants like touch-me-not (Mimosa) and some pea plants eject their seeds forcefully.

For trees to survive, they rely on sunlight, a process called "Photosynthesis," which is required to break down carbon dioxide and water molecules into glucose and oxygen. 

6CO2 + 6H2O→ C6H12O6 + 6O2

This equation shows the processes that take place in photosynthesis after capturing sunlight. Furthermore on the breakdown:

6 molecules of carbon dioxide, 6 molecules of water, 1 molecule of glucose and 6 molecules of oxygen.

Carbon dioxide: It is absorbed from the air through tiny pores in the leaves called stomata.

Water:  It is absorbed from the roots to the leaves through vascular tissues (xylem).

Sunlight: Sunlight splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is released into air while the hydrogen combines with carbon dioxide to form glucose through the Calvin cycle (a series of chemical reactions in the chloroplast). The glucose is stored in tree parts, trunk, root and leaves as energy and as food for herbivores.

Here are some benefits of trees and grasses:

1. Erosion control: Short grasses help absorb some water in water-logged areas, hence, controlling erosion.
2. Air circulation: Trees help maintain the energy levels we need to breathe. We often see people sit, eat, lie, sleep and relax with friends and families under trees. 
3. Shade: Some of us run under trees to take cover from the burning heat from sunlight  and prevent getting too wet from rain.
4. Energy source: Glucose stored in trees helps trees grow, produce fruits, and sustain ecosystems as food for herbivores. 
5. Fire source: Some dry grasses and tree trunks can be used as a source of fire and to rekindle a fire.
6. Furniture: Wood from trees is used to make furniture and other wood work.
7. Roofs and relaxation bars: Some leaves, such as palm leaves, are used in making roofs and barrier walls in some relaxation spots.
8. Papers: The pulp in wood is used for making papers.                 
9. Carriage: Wood is used to construct a wooden cart or small truck for transporting objects from one place to another.
10. Food and medicine: Many foods and fruits are obtained from trees—such as oranges, mangoes, pears, and coconuts. Some medicinal extracts also come from trees.  Lemon and lime juice, for example, are antioxidants that help detoxify the human body and eliminate harmful radicals.    
11. Walkways and bridges: Wood is often placed across gutters to create a pathway for movement. It is also used to construct short bridges, especially in areas with small rivers.    
12. Houses: Some homes are built using wood, which can give them a natural and appealing look.
13. Gums: Some trees exude gums which can be used as adhesive, particularly for leatherwork. We are not the only living creatures—trees help sustain the ecosystem. Therefore, a balanced system exists that supports and maintains life, including ours.

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