What type of tree sheds its leaves annually?

The correct answer is a deciduous tree, which is characterized by its seasonal shedding of leaves. Deciduous trees undergo a process called senescence in the fall, during which they prepare for winter by absorbing nutrients from their leaves before losing them. This adaptation helps the tree conserve water and energy during colder months when it is more difficult to obtain these resources.

Evergreen trees, on the other hand, retain their leaves throughout the year, shedding only a few at a time rather than all at once. Coniferous trees, a subset of evergreens, typically have needle-like leaves and also maintain greenery across seasons instead of losing their foliage. Tropical trees can vary widely in their leaf retention based on their specific environment and species, and many may be evergreen rather than deciduous. Thus, the defining feature of deciduous trees is their annual leaf drop, setting them apart from these other types.