Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (B) — Roots are starved of energy
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedComplete circumferential removal of bark (girdling or ring barking) removes the outer phloem tissue located immediately beneath the bark. While interior xylem remains intact to transport water upwards, the downward transport of photosynthesized sugars/organic nutrients from leaves to the root system is completely severed. The root cells gradually starve of energy, die, and subsequently fail to absorb water and minerals, killing the entire tree.
Xylem (water transport) is deep inside the wood; phloem (food/energy transport to roots) lies just under the bark.
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