Question

Removal of a ring of bark from the trunk of a tree kills it, because

• A. Water can't go up
• B. Minerals can't go up
• C. Photosynthesis stops
• D. Roots get starved

Answer 1

The correct option is D Roots get starved

Girdling is removal of bark in a ring at a certain height above ground as a girdle. The secondary phloem is removed as it is a part of bark and sugars cannot be transported to the plant parts located below the girdle. The lower plant parts consequently die. The upper parts of plant continue to receive water and mineral supply because they are conducted through xylem elements. The xylem is deeply lodged inside the stem and is not part of bark.