40. Trunks of some of the aged tree species appear to be composed of several fused trunks. Is it a physiological or anatomical abnormality? Explain in detail.

 

It is anatomical abnormality. It is an abnormal type of secondary growth, where a regular vascular cambium or cork cambium is not formed in its normal position. In case of old tree trunks, anomalous secondary growth produces cortical and medullary vascular bundles.
Thus, the additional or accessory vascular bundles given appearance of several fused trunks.