Florida Envirothon Forestry Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep

Intermediate trees are classified as those that do not receive direct sunlight from the sides. These trees are typically found beneath the upper canopy layer but above the forest floor. They grow in the shade of canopy trees, which prevents them from obtaining full sunlight exposure. As a result, their growth may be slower and their overall health can be influenced by the availability of light, water, and nutrients that filter down through the layers of the forest.

Subdominant trees usually have more access to sunlight than intermediate trees but may not reach the level of the tallest trees in the canopy. Canopy trees are the tallest in the forest and receive direct sunlight from all sides. Shade trees tend to refer to those that can grow well in shaded conditions, but this term does not specifically describe trees in relation to their position in a layered forest structure. Therefore, intermediate trees are the best fit for this classification.