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The Socotra Dragon Tree: Focus: R.C Teacher's Name: Date: 28 / 10 / 2021

1. The island of Socotra belongs to Yemen, located off the coast of Africa nearer to Somalia than Yemen. 2. 37% of Socotra's 825 plant species and 90% of its reptiles are unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world. 3. Socotra dragon trees typically grow to an average height of 10 meters and are found in mountainous and central/eastern flat regions of Socotra that experience low clouds, providing moisture. However, decreasing rainfall due to climate change may impact the trees.

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415 views2 pages

The Socotra Dragon Tree: Focus: R.C Teacher's Name: Date: 28 / 10 / 2021

1. The island of Socotra belongs to Yemen, located off the coast of Africa nearer to Somalia than Yemen. 2. 37% of Socotra's 825 plant species and 90% of its reptiles are unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world. 3. Socotra dragon trees typically grow to an average height of 10 meters and are found in mountainous and central/eastern flat regions of Socotra that experience low clouds, providing moisture. However, decreasing rainfall due to climate change may impact the trees.

Uploaded by

EmanAbdel-Haq
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Focus: R.

C
Teacher’s Name:
Date: 28 / 10 / 2021
Read the article about the Socotra dragon tree, and then answer the following questions.

The Socotra dragon tree


The Socotra dragon tree is an unusual tree, as it looks
rather like an open umbrella. It is found on the island
of Socotra, off the coast of Africa. Although the island
is nearer to Somalia than Yemen, it actually belongs to
the latter.

The island of Socotra has been separated from the


mainland for 34 million years, and this has led to its
unique flora. Of the 825 different plant species found
there, 37% do not occur anywhere else in the world,
and the same is true of 90% of its reptiles. Because of
these factors, there is increased tourism to the area. While this is improving the island’s economy, it
has also resulted in more building work, which has had an impact on the areas where the trees live.

Reaching an average height of ten metres, the trees are commonly found in the Haggeher
mountains and the flat areas in the centre and east of the island. These regions experience
frequent low clouds at certain times of the year, which provide the trees with the moisture they
need. However, because of climate change, the amount of rain is decreasing, which scientists think
will have an effect on the trees.

The dragon tree has been important for centuries. The tree produces a sticky liquid called resin,
and this is taken as a medicine by people on the island, and in many parts of the world. As early as
60 CE, people referred to this resin as cinnabar, and in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, it
was used to give a rich colour to the world-famous violins made by the Stradivarius family.

The design of the tree’s leaves is important. They measure up to sixty centimetres long and only
three centimetres wide. When rain falls on the surface of each leaf, the long narrow shape allows
the tiny drops of water to run down to the roots of the tree. The leaves are densely-packed, and
provide shade for young trees growing beneath the adult tree. Socotra dragon tree leaves have
traditionally been harvested and used to make ropes. If there is increased demand for ropes, the
effect on the trees could be a concern.

Like the leaves, the flowers appear at the ends of the branches. They are small and greenish-white
in colour, and produce green berries which gradually turn black as they ripen. They become orange
when they are fully ripe. Farmers on the island feed the berries to their animals as they are thought
to be good for them. Eating too many though can cause sickness, which is why they are only given
in small quantities. If animals are allowed to feed in areas where there are Socotra trees, there is a
danger that any young trees could be eaten before they have the chance to develop.

The importance of the island of Socotra, and the smaller islands nearby, is recognised
internationally because of their unique plant and animal life. International commercial trade in the
various species found there is controlled and new nature zones have been created. Researchers
are working on projects to grow young trees, but widespread efforts are needed in order to ensure
that the Socotra dragon tree will survive for future generations.
1 Which country is the island of Socotra part of?

…………………………................................................................................................................... [1]

2 What percentage of Socotra’s plants can only be found on the island?

…………………………..................................................................................................................... [1]

3 How tall do Socotra dragon trees typically grow?

.................................................................................................................................................... [1]

4 What enables the Socotra dragon trees to grow well in particular locations on the island?

.................................................................................................................................................... [1]

5 How is the substance that the Socotra dragon trees produce used today?

.................................................................................................................................................... [1]

6 How do the trees’ leaves benefit Socotra dragon trees? Give two details.

..........................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................... [2]

7 What colour are the Socotra dragon trees’ mature berries?

.................................................................................................................................................... [1]

8 What problem must people be aware of when feeding berries to their animals?

.................................................................................................................................................... [1]

9 What factors can negatively affect the future of the Socotra dragon trees? Give four details.

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................... [4]

[Total: 13]

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