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Curious Kids: why do trees have bark?
By Gregory Moore, The University of Melbourne
Why do trees have bark? Julien, age 6, Melbourne.
This is a great question, Julien.
We are so familiar with bark on trees, that most of us just take it for granted. But bark is one of the most complex parts of a tree and has many different jobs to do. Without bark we would not have trees as we know them.
Here’s what bark does – and why it is so special.
Bark helps trees move stuff around the plant
Bark on many trees is made of two different things.
The first thing is called phloem and it is pretty complicated stuff. Its main job is to transport chemicals like sugars and hormones up, down and around the tree. In fact, phloem can move just about anything the plant needs around the tree. That’s a very good reason why trees have bark.
The second thing is called cork and in many trees, phloem and cork are mixed together. Cork helps protect the tree from harmful insects and fungi. It also helps keep certain parts of the tree from getting too hot or too cold. Like us, trees function best at just the right temperatures. So this protection is an important reason why trees have bark.
Some trees have thin smooth bark that falls off every year in great sheets and strips.
Other trees have thicker, furry or crinkly bark that is shed in bits and pieces over months or many years.
As the tree gets bigger, the bark has to be regularly replaced. It is a bit like the skin on a snake.
Bark can help a tree survive and thrive
Bark makes an excellent home for other living things, such as insects, spiders and fungi.
Some of these even help the tree survive and thrive. Bark is a good and safe place for these tree helpers to call home.
Read Full Story https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-do-trees-have-bark-229276