You think that rubber is non-living but was once part of a living thing.

You are correct!

Rubber is produced from the sap (latex) of the rubber tree. Rubber tree plantations are found in areas of the world such as Malaysia. A spiral groove is cut into the bark of the tree and a small cup is positioned so that it can collect the sap which flows into it. This procedure does not do any permanent damage to the tree. The tree can be tapped again in the future.

Now try question 10

© Shirley Burchill 2008