The term crown shyness might sound like it describes a timid king or queen. However,
it's actually a name for the way some forest trees grow. Strangely, some trees grow in
such a way that their tallest branches do not touch the branches of other trees. This
means there's a gap between the branches of neighboring trees. Although crown
shyness has been studied for many years, scientists are not clear on why it happens.
Some think that the trees create gaps to prevent themselves from getting damaged.
Others think the gaps are to avoid the spread of harmful insects. The most common
belief, however, is that these trees are fighting for light from the sun. Thus, they grow
toward the sun and avoid touching other trees that might block their sunlight. The result
of crown shyness is a remarkable and beautiful pattern among trees.
After all, crown shyness is clearly the result of trees fighting for the sun.
So, look up the next time you're in a forest, and you might see this natural
wonder.
You might find it surprising that scientists still don't know what causes crown
shyness.
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