In a forest, it was observed that one of the trees was severely debarked by an elephant to meet its food requirements, as the bark is a rich source of nutrients (given in the figure). Based on your learning, answer the following:

(A) Which function(s) of the tree is/are hampered by debarking?

(B) Which plant tissue would be affected by further damage to the tree trunk even after debarking?

(C) Which function of the tree would be hampered if the tissues beneath the bark were severely damaged?

(D) What assumptions are you making to answer the questions above? How would the answer change if your assumptions are also changed?

(A) Debarking removes the bark and damages tissues present beneath it. Therefore, the following functions are affected:

(1) Protection against mechanical injury, pathogens and water loss is reduced.

(2) Transport of food from leaves to roots and other parts of the plant is disrupted due to damage to the phloem tissue.

(3) Excessive water loss from the exposed region may also occur.

(B) Further damage to the trunk may affect the vascular cambium (lateral meristem) and the xylem tissue present beneath the bark.

(C) If tissues beneath the bark, especially the xylem, are severely damaged, the transport of water and minerals from roots to leaves would be affected. This would reduce the availability of water for photosynthesis and other metabolic activities. If the damage is extensive, the plant may eventually die.

(D) It is assumed that:

(1) The debarking is severe and has damaged the bark along with the phloem tissue.

(2) The tree is a mature tree with well-developed tissues.

(3) The damaged region covers a large portion of the trunk or forms a ring around it.

If the damage is only partial, some conducting tissues may remain intact, and the tree may continue to survive with less severe effects. However, if the bark and phloem are removed all around the trunk, food transport from leaves to roots may stop, which can seriously affect the survival of the tree.