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

1. Water from soil cannot rise to aerial parts.
2. Roots are starved of energy.
3. Tree is infected by soil microbes.
4. Roots do not receive oxygen for respiration.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• This process is called girdling or ring-barking. When the bark is removed in a circular fashion around the trunk, the phloem (which transports food from leaves to roots) is also removed.
• As a result: The roots do not receive the sugars and nutrients synthesized in the leaves through photosynthesis. Without energy, the roots gradually die. Since roots absorb water and minerals from the soil, their death eventually causes the entire tree to dry up and die.

Answer: (b) Roots are starved of energy | Difficulty Level: Easy