8 Questions
What is the main reason why redwoods grow to be very tall?
To compete with other trees for sunlight
What is the consequence of a redwood tree not getting enough sunlight?
It loses the opportunity to grow taller
What is the main risk of a redwood growing very tall?
The wind
What is the percentage of the US budget spent on defense?
More than 50%
What is the alternative to spending money on defense according to the passage?
Spending on schools, roads, and parks
What is the main reason why nations engage in an arms race?
To protect themselves from other nations
What is the analogy between redwoods and nations in the passage?
Both are locked in a harmful competition
What is the general opinion about world peace according to the passage?
It is better than an arms race
Study Notes
Redwoods and Competition
- Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world, growing as high as 380 feet, comparable to the length of an American football field (300 feet).
- Redwoods compete with each other to get the most sunlight, which is necessary for growth, leading them to grow taller to survive.
The Risks of Growing Tall
- Growing tall is risky for redwoods, as they become more susceptible to strong winds, which can be threatening.
- Redwoods expend all their energy to grow tall, leaving them vulnerable.
Human Analogy: Arms Races and Defense Spending
- Nations engage in an arms race, spending a significant portion of their budgets on defense (e.g., the US spends over half its budget, while other nations spend 10-30%).
- This spending could be allocated to other essential areas, such as education, infrastructure, hunger relief, environmental protection, art, philosophy, or scientific advancement.
The Dilemma of Disarmament
- The problem lies in the risk of invasion if a nation has no military, making it vulnerable to attack by a nation with a strong army.
- The fear of being destroyed by another nation's secret army prevents nations from disarming and redirecting their resources to peaceful pursuits.
- The pursuit of world peace and disarmament is hindered by the uncertainty of other nations' intentions, leading to a perpetual arms race.
This quiz is based on a passage about redwood trees, discussing their growth and characteristics. It tests your understanding of the biology of these tallest trees in the world.
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