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The next time you're out walking through the forest, take a moment to look above you at the beautiful trees, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.
Check out these nature photography shots to see what we mean. The naturally occurring phenomenon is called "crown shyness" because the uppermost branches of certain tree species don't like to touch one another. The intriguing behavior was first observed in the 1920s, and various hypotheses have been presented since then in an attempt to explain it. Some believe it occurs to reduce the spread of harmful insects. Others believe that trees are attempting to protect one another's branches from getting cracked and broken in the wind, and it's also been suggested that "crown shyness" happens so that trees can optimize light exposure to maximize the process of photosynthesis which is done by the tree leaves. Despite these various theories, however, nobody knows for sure why this phenomenon occurs, but it serves to remind us of just how beautiful nature can be. Scroll down for some of our favorite pictures, and don't forget to vote for the best. (h/t: colossal)
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#1
Susann Campbell 8 years ago
I looked at them all and what I see is courtesy . All trees need light and each one is being courteous to each other.
Tony Johns 8 years ago
It is scientific/engineering. The leaf flourish at the crown becomes inhibited by the prospect of poor photosynthesis in the shadow of higher foliage. But why the gap you wonder? The romanticists have long presumed the trees sensing other growth proximity and not growing nearer for fear of touching and chain transmitting fungal airborne infections diseases (FAIDS). However, those of us who have lived in trees know the effects of the winds and air movement. In a blow the tree next door comes your way a tad and particularly in temperate and tropical climates intrudes on your space. So the trees, a bit like me in the company of some Brexit'eers and racists in my local pub, back off a bit! Simple as that! Beautiful images none the less! tonyjohns@enterprise.net
Linda Woodbury 8 years ago
Maybe they just respect each others' space (?). They are very sensitive.
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bianca johnson 8 years ago
Please undersptand the idea of personal space more than human beings
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James Hefner 7 years ago
Yes, very phallus looking. I can tell your a master observer of things. Much love Roaddog...
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Ok Ha-Neul 8 years ago
me in public places : don't touch me don't touch me please don't touch me eunghhhh
TheRubyFalcon 8 years ago
Or when relatives insist on patting your head, feeling your hair, hugging... *shudder*
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Constance Wraxall 8 years ago
I agree with ( ok Ha-Neul) Don't touch me stranger!! But damm they look amazing I NEVER ever NOTICED before thanks boredpanda I'm 55 & still I get to discover new stuff lol Yahoo!
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Allana Rose 8 years ago
It's like the trees are giving their neighbors respect, so they give them space to live.
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Marzo Florida 8 years ago
When I first looked at it, my eyes thought that the camera was in the tree looking down at cracks in a path :)
Jenny Burman 8 years ago
Number 5, because you can really see the way each tree has been shaped not just at the canopy but below. Also, beautiful colors.
Kyle Fahey 8 years ago
Don't listen to Doyle. You are correct there are species and it would be nice to know what these are because not all species of trees do this.
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Gruia Geo 8 years ago
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_shyness now stop downvoting coments before i ban you from the internet =))
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Stephanie High 8 years ago
That makes this even crazier! How does it know?!
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Sara Hodgson 8 years ago
Why does this happen? Is it to allow light in to help growth? What about rainforest canopys?
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Carole Anderson 8 years ago
This is a seriously wonderful example of evilution
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Linda Brown 8 years ago
Wow, the the tree trunk in the front being the vocale point, astounding
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Linda Brown 8 years ago
There is one of the trees that looks like a dog looking over his left shoulder.
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Ophelia Papworth-Rivera 4 years ago
Thought it was incredibly terrible of the author to not give credit to each picture of where each one was located?!
Jessica 2 years ago
Agreed! I would like to study these forest structures to identify energy flow grids in our planet
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Sharron Thompson 5 years ago
So the trees are (Social Distancing) naturally. I think maybe they are on to something.
ispeak catanese 8 years ago
Or palms, either. Must only be certain kinds of deciduous trees.
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What do you think ?
Yvonne Bernal 8 years ago
INTERESTING FACT - What causes it is not fully understood. One theory suggests that this empty space around the crown might be caused by breakage of twigs and branches from violent collision that happens during storms and high winds. Experiments show that if trees with crown shyness are artificially prevented from swaying and colliding in the wind, they gradually fill in the empty space in the canopy.
Just a Purpler 8 years ago
Very interesting! Thanks Yvonne! It'll be my new party starter XD
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John L 8 years ago
They all seem to have a couple of things in common. They are generally new growth in that they started out pretty much the same time. And also they are of the same species of tree. Its probably their way of getting a 'leg up' on other competing species, by ensuring their own integrity, and also keeping other trees from grabbing their sunlight. Natural selection playing its part. ;D
Daria B 8 years ago
Me too! But then you always have an old-ish lady touching my a*s while passing by.... *sigh*
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Yvonne Bernal 8 years ago
INTERESTING FACT - What causes it is not fully understood. One theory suggests that this empty space around the crown might be caused by breakage of twigs and branches from violent collision that happens during storms and high winds. Experiments show that if trees with crown shyness are artificially prevented from swaying and colliding in the wind, they gradually fill in the empty space in the canopy.
Just a Purpler 8 years ago
Very interesting! Thanks Yvonne! It'll be my new party starter XD
Load More Replies... John L 8 years ago
They all seem to have a couple of things in common. They are generally new growth in that they started out pretty much the same time. And also they are of the same species of tree. Its probably their way of getting a 'leg up' on other competing species, by ensuring their own integrity, and also keeping other trees from grabbing their sunlight. Natural selection playing its part. ;D
Daria B 8 years ago
Me too! But then you always have an old-ish lady touching my a*s while passing by.... *sigh*
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