| − | A '''leaf''' is the main organ of [[photosynthesis]] and [[transpiration]] in [[plant]]s. Leaves possess many shapes, sizes, functions and manners of being. Leaves of most woody [[tree]]s and bushes consist of a flat blade connected to the woody stem or twig via a slender, stick-like [[petiole]]. The blade and the petiole make up the leaf. Hundreds, even thousands, of leaflets can occur in a single [[compound leaf]]. A [[poison ivy]] leaf consists of three leaflets. Most but not all leaves, even compound leaves, are shaped in such a way that they more or less display bilateral [[symmetry]]. | + | A '''leaf''' is the main organ of [[photosynthesis]] and [[transpiration]] in [[plant]]s. Leaves possess many shapes, sizes, functions and manners of being. Leaves of most woody [[tree]]s and bushes consist of a flat blade connected to the woody stem or twig via a slender, stick-like [[petiole]]. The blade and the petiole make up the leaf. Hundreds, even thousands, of leaflets can occur in a single [[Compound Leaf|compound leaf]]. A [[poison ivy]] leaf consists of three leaflets. Most but not all leaves, even compound leaves, are shaped in such a way that they more or less display bilateral [[symmetry]]. |
| | Leaves change colors during the fall season, making the fall foliage beautiful. This innate beauty, with no practical purpose other than to please humans, is one of the [[Counterexamples to Evolution]]. | | Leaves change colors during the fall season, making the fall foliage beautiful. This innate beauty, with no practical purpose other than to please humans, is one of the [[Counterexamples to Evolution]]. |