How shrubs and trees compete

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Q1: How do trees make forests?

[Answer]

Annuals grow quickly, but plants with long lives – perennials – grow very slowly.

The seedlings of perennials need shelter to grow up in, so they often grow among the annual plants and shrubs.

Gradually the trees grow taller and bigger and the ground below them becomes shady. Annual plants stop growing below trees. In time trees completely cover an area, creating a forest.