No more tree ID?!

[treewhitelock]

They dont walk you around campus for the MD LTE anymore its all done on a computer. You have to Id a tree by its leaves and twigs.

 

[theXman]

wow, no kidding.

hmmmm, that stinks too.

Well, actual leaves and twigs is maybe better than a picture. Or maybe have both would be good.

 

[atlarborist]

I would offer that the old Tree ID section was in fact "Recognition", whereas the examination regarding taxonomy is in fact a test of "Identification" skills.

I think having both is a fine idea, but let's agree they are different things. If, however, we were to choose between them, Identification, IMO, would be more demonstrative of skill and knowledge than Recognition.

Identification skills can be carried from one plant set to another, Recognition is limited to one known group.

Think of it this way, with education and experience in a certain geographic area I can Recognize many trees and shrubs(when I lived in Nashville, TN). With a measure of proficiency regarding taxonomy and a relevant key, I can Identify virtually anything(When I moved to Atlanta, GA).

The ability to correctly Identify an unknown plant, is foundational to accurately diagnosing it's problems, understanding it's needs, and prescribing it's care.

 

[cerviarborist]

Well said, atlarborist!

 

[theXman]

yes, well said. But they definitely blend together as well. Back in Dendro in college; in my head I would run through a key: it is opposite or alternate, compound or simple leave, etc, etc, etc. Not using a physical key, not going on quick recognition, because I didn't recognize trees back then like I do now. But I would go through the steps, narrow it down and remember the trees that might fit those things I identified.

I see what you are saying though.

Might be important to show you can learn to recognize tree species and tell a client what it is on the spot instead of opening a book and keying it out. Might be a good skill to show on a test that you can learn to recognize local species. That might be a good skill for an arborist to have.

 

[Colin]

[ QUOTE ]

If they got better images for the test, perhaps they could also replace a few of them in the study guide. In particular the image of the guy drilling to install support hardware with cigarette hanging out of his mouth!

[/ QUOTE ]

Heaven's to betsy! You might get cancer from looking at it!

 

[atlarborist]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

If they got better images for the test, perhaps they could also replace a few of them in the study guide. In particular the image of the guy drilling to install support hardware with cigarette hanging out of his mouth!

[/ QUOTE ]

Heaven's to betsy! You might get cancer from looking at it!

[/ QUOTE ]

Smoke'em if ya got 'em!