a bird / a cat IN / ON the tree

[eloquent]

Is the preposition dependent on who / what is in / on the tree? Thank you

 

[PaulQ]

No. It is dependant upon the position of the creature. Think of on = on top of; in = inside; within (i.e. amongst the branches/leaves.)

 

[eloquent]

No. It is dependant upon the position of the creature. Think of on = on top of; in = inside; within (i.e. amongst the branches/leaves.)

Do I understand well, that a bird can sit both ON a tree and IN a tree? A cat will probably not sit ON a tree.

 

[kool-wind]

A bird would be sitting on a tree if it were perched on the highest point of the tree. Otherwise it is in the tree or on a branch/limb/twig.
The same goes for the cat.