Question

Which would do maximum harm to a tree? The loss of
(a) Half of its branches
(b) All of its leaves
(c) Half of its flowers
(d) Its bark

Answer 1

A tree is a plant which has a woody stem that can grow upto the height of 15meters. It is perennial. The trees get their food by the process of photosynthesis in which they use sunlight and water and convert it into glucose. Oxygen is released in this process. This is essential for the survival of all living beings.

Complete answer
When half of the tree’s branches are removed, there will not be much harm to the tree. This is because the other half branches will perform the function of photosynthesis and transpiration.
When all the leaves of the tree are lost then after sometime new leaves emerge on the tree. Infact, most of the trees shed their leaves in a particular season of the year and it does not affect the tree. Soon after the formation of new leaves, normal photosynthetic activities continue.
When half of the flowers from a tree are removed, the other half of the flowers can help in pollination and germination of new buds. Hence, it does not affect the tree.
When the bark of the tree is removed, it will cause a loss to a tree. Bark performs various important functions. It protects the tree from unfavourable conditions and also from wearing and tearing. It prevents the water loss from the tree. It also protects the tree from bacterial infections. The tree will become dry in the absence of bark.

Thus the answer of the above question is option (D) its bark. This is because the absence of bark results in non supply of water and minerals to the upper part of the plants. There will be death of the tree due to water loss.

Note: Bark is present in the woody tree. It is the outer part of woody stems that also protect the cambium. The outer layer of bark consists of the dead cells which makes it hard while the inner layers contain the phloem tissue which helps in the movement of food from leaves to the other parts of the tree.