What percentage of forest trees in North Carolina are angiosperms?

The correct answer is the percentage of forest trees in North Carolina that are classified as angiosperms, which are flowering plants that produce seeds within a fruit. Angiosperms represent a significant portion of the tree species in the state due to the diverse range of ecosystems present in North Carolina, including hardwood forests that predominantly consist of these types of trees.

This diversity includes many common angiosperms such as oaks, hickories, maples, and sweetgums, which thrive in the varied climates and soil types throughout the region. Understanding the percentage of angiosperms in the forest helps inform forest management and conservation efforts, as these species contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of North Carolina's forests.

This understanding is contextualized by recognizing that other groups of trees, such as gymnosperms, which include pines and spruces, also contribute to the total percentage of trees but do not dominate to the same extent as angiosperms in this state's forests.