In a time when many view the world around us as the result of chance and survival of the fittest, it can be nice to pause and reflect on the actual nature of things. Far from being a work of the dice, our planet consistently showcases the handiwork of a Creator. In this article, we want to focus in on two plants that say this loud and clear.
Arguably among the most majestic of trees, the oak tree is widely known for its size, acorn production, and commercial value. Many varieties exist, each with its own version of leaves, nuts, and size, but for times’ sake, we’ll just focus on a common species in the Missouri Ozarks: the White Oak (Quercus alba). This particular oak, though not near as long lived as the Live Oak, can still live to over 300 years… Which means some of those really big ones are older than America!
Commonly growing 80-100 ft and often being as wide as they are tall, these trees can produce an enormous amount of acorns. Information on acorn production varies widely, but one study(1) found an average annual production of nearly 2,000 acorns per tree. Sounds like a squirrel paradise!
A deeper look into the oak tree (and really, to plants in general) reveals an even more incredible part of God’s handiwork. Photosynthesis (photo + synthesis= “putting together with light”) is the amazingly designed process in which carbon dioxide, water, and light from the environment are converted into food (glucose) for the plant. To top it off, photosynthesis produces an important byproduct that living creatures (ourselves included) highly appreciate: oxygen.
Of course, just because oaks are large and majestic doesn’t mean they are the biggest kid on the block. Redwoods, specifically Sequoia sempervirens, boast the tallest trees on the planet, with heights of over 370 ft tall. Additionally, several individuals among these northwestern California giants are supported by a trunk that spans more than 20 ft in diameter. In practical terms, since that gives them a circumference of over 60 ft, it would take more than ten men standing fingertip to fingertip to completely encircle the tree.
However, as amazing as
that is, it brings us to a problem. Seeing as trees don’t have hearts or muscles, how in the world do you get water from the roots up to the leaves on that thing?! There is some pressure from the roots that gives water an initial boost, but only for the first 6-10 feet. There has to be something else going on!
There most certainly is something going on, something that showcases the brilliance of a wise Creator. A special type of xylem cell, tracheid cells are long, narrow, strong-walled cells with small holes. Found to a greater degree in softwoods (like redwoods), these alternating, offset cells serve for water transport when young and as structural support (wood) upon death. Basically, transpiration (evaporation) of water from the leaves creates a suction all the way down to the roots. Because these xylem tubes are so narrow, this is sufficient suction to draw the water up to the top of the tree… All without a pump!
If you want to test this out, try sucking water through a coffee straw, a regular straw, and a garden hose section (all equal lengths), and note which one is the easiest. God knows what He is doing!
When God looked at His creation on Day 3 and said it was good, He knew what He was talking about. We’ve only looked at two types of plants, but even in that, incredible feats of design give testimony to a Designer. Whether the grandeur of the oak and its provision of food for the forest, the brilliant tracheid cells that bring water to the tops of redwoods, or the photosynthesis common to the plant world, the wisdom and intentionality of a Creator is clearly seen. We truly live in an amazing world, a world that shows the handiwork of God.
Giant Flood, Giant Rocks, Giant Wonder On a recent trip to Northern Ireland, my family had the opportunity to visit one of her greatest natural wonders: Giant’s
We love helping people put the truths of the authority and reliability of God‘s Word into their hearts. We also enjoy getting resources for these truths into their hands. And with the holiday season coming up, the bookstore can be a blessing both to the ministry and to your family and friends!
Everyone has a worldview, and every worldview has questions that it must answer. The truth will naturally produce the best and most sensible answers, and the Bible does just that.
“It’s that time of the year again: Our monthly Creation Classes are about to relaunch for the season! For those who haven’t been to one yet, these informative classes are a time of fun, fellowship, and faith-building presentations….“
