Is the biggest organism on Earth animal, vegetable or mineral

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Q.� I thought Redwoods were the biggest trees

A.� Yes, at over 300 feet they are, in comparison, a mere 70-foot quaking aspen tree is definitely much smaller. But looks are deceiving: the forest of quaking aspens aren't single entities, but part of one huge organism. The 200-acre area in Utah is comprised of trees that are actually 'suckers' that have grown from the root system of a single tree.

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Q.� How do scientists know that the forest is a single organism

A.� By carrying out genetic tests on tissue samples from all of the trees. The results proved that they're all part of the same organism.

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Q.� How does the quaking aspen reproduce and grow

A.� Either by germinating seeds or, more commonly, by cloning naturally: a parent tree sends up new sprouts, called suckers, from its own root system once it is firmly established.

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Quaking aspen grow much more vigorously when their root systems are disturbed, a trait characteristic of 'pioneer' species. Their roots can remain dormant for centuries, until the right conditions come along to spur growth.

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Q.� Is natural cloning a good way of reproducing

A.� It certainly seems so in this case: quaking aspen is the most widely distributed tree species in North America. It stretches from Canada to New Mexico, covering tens of millions of acres of land.

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The cloned trees take advantage of a reliable cache of nutrients and moisture and so stand a better chance of survival in comparison to a seedling that is dependent on its own roots.

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Q.� How long do quaking aspen clones live for

A.� Scientists aren't too sure, but based on some examinations of fossilized aspen it is believed some of the largest clones can be a million years old or more.

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Q.� How did the quaking aspen get its name

A.� The leaf stem is flat in cross section, rather than round. This adaptation gives the leaves strength along with flexibility to twist in the wind. It is the characteristic fluttering and shaking that gives them the name.

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Do want to know what which is the biggest, smallest, heaviest, strongest or oldest thing in nature Just click here to ask.

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by Lisa Cardy