Ginkgo Tree Facts and the Secret of a Living Fossil — A Nature Picture Book
What makes the ginkgo tree so fascinating?
Turning entirely golden in autumn, the ginkgo tree is a friendly tree you'll find all over the city. But did you know it's a tree older than the dinosaurs?
Nature and science facts about the ginkgo tree
The ginkgo tree is a "living fossil" that has lived with almost the same fan-shaped leaves since about 270 million years ago. Because it is dioecious, only female trees bear fruit (ginkgo nuts) in autumn, and the foul smell of the ripe outer coating is a protective strategy to drive animals away. The inner kernel contains toxic compounds, so children shouldn't eat too many. It's tolerant of pollution, so it's often planted as a street tree.
What Tangobook's «Ginkgo Tree» covers
Tangobook's «Ginkgo Tree» warmly shows the fan-shaped leaves turning golden in autumn, the nuts that form on female trees, and the story of a tree that has lived for ages upon ages.
Great things to observe together
Point out details like the fan-shaped leaves, the golden fall color, the smell of the nuts (protection), and that the tree is dioecious. It's a great idea to talk together about, "How old is the ginkgo tree?"
Parent guide — extending into observation and hands-on activities
In autumn, gather golden ginkgo leaves, observe their fan shape, and make them into bookmarks. Telling children it's "a tree older than the dinosaurs" makes it even more exciting (and wash hands after touching the nuts).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Why is the ginkgo tree a "living fossil"?
A. Because it has lived in almost the same form since about 270 million years ago. It's older than the dinosaurs.
Q. Why do ginkgo nuts smell?
A. It comes from compounds in the ripe outer coating, and it's a protective strategy to drive away animals that would eat the seeds.
Q. How can we observe this at home?
A. Try gathering fan-shaped leaves and making bookmarks, and talking about "a tree older than the dinosaurs" (and wash hands after touching the nuts).
Wonderful stories to read together
If you enjoyed this story, try reading these wonderful stories together too.
Curious about "Ginkgo Tree"?
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