UPSC Prelims 2011·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base, it gradually dries up and dies because

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  1. AWater from soil cannot rise to aerial parts
  2. BRoots are starved of energyCorrect
  3. CTree is infected by soil microbes
  4. DRoots do not receive oxygen for respiration

Explanation

The correct option is B because the bark of a tree contains the phloem tissue. The phloem is responsible for transporting food and nutrients manufactured in the leaves down to the roots. When the bark is removed in a circular ring, a process known as girdling, the flow of nutrients to the roots is cut off. Consequently, the roots are starved of energy, stop functioning, and eventually die. Since the roots die, they can no longer absorb water for the rest of the tree, leading to the gradual death of the entire plant. Water transport is usually unaffected initially because it occurs through the xylem, which is located deeper inside the wood, not in the bark.
geography: When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base, it gradually dries up and dies becaus
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