[2026] PTE Academic Listening - Fill in the Blanks (Type In)

Dendrochronology is the scientific method of dating based on the analysis of patterns of tree rings. Each year, trees add a new layer of growth, which varies in width depending on the environmental during that season. By examining these rings, researchers can gain insights into past climate patterns, such as periods of drought or heavy rainfall. A wider ring typically indicates a growing season with plenty of water and ideal temperatures. Scientists use a process called cross-dating to match ring patterns from living trees with those found in old or archaeological structures. This technique allows historians to determine the age of historical buildings with remarkable accuracy. Furthermore, the study of tree rings provides a record that spans thousands of years.