CHAPTER

17

Forests: Our Lifeline

Before Moving Ahead, Let us first understand, what actually are-

Forests
A forest is a large area of land covered mainly with trees and other plants. All
forests have different kinds of trees and other plants due to the different
climates and soils, in which they grow. No one grows plants in the natural
forests, they grow on their own. Actually, they produce enough seeds which
fall on the forest floor. The forest floor provides favorable conditions for these
seeds to germinate into plants. In addition to the various types of trees and
other plants, the forest also has a wide
variety of animals. The forest also
contains decomposer organisms such
as bacteria and fungi. A forest acts as
the purifier of air and water.
So, that means, there are many-

Types of trees that grow in forests

Semal Bamboo Sheesham Neem

Some products we get from Forests
 Characteristics of Trees
The branchy part of a tree above the steam is known as the crown of the tree.
The crown of the tree have different shapes.

The branches of tall trees look like a roof over the other plants in the forest. This
is called a canopy.
Trees have different heights,
crowns, shapes of leaves,
flowers, and fruits.
 Components of a Forest
1. Autotrophs: are green plants that produce their own food by photosynthesis.
2. Heterotrophs: are animals that get their food directly or indirectly from plants.
3. Saptrotrophos: are animals that feed on dead animals.
4. Decomposers: are micro-organisms that decompose dead plants and animals
into humus.
Organisms that feed on plants are eaten by other organisms and so on to form
FOOD CHAINS.

There are many Food Chains in the forest. All food chains are linked together. If
any food chain is disturbed, it affects other food chains.
Every component of the forest depends on one another. if we remove even a
single component like trees, all the other components are affected.
Hence, we can say that a Forset is an Ecosystem in itself.
Balance of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere
During respiration plants and animals take in oxygen and release carbon
dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release
oxygen. So plants help to maintain the oxygen and carbon dioxide balance
in the atmosphere. This is why forests are called green lungs.
 Importance of a Forest
i) Forest is a natural habitat for a large number of plants and animals.
ii) Forest help in maintaining the oxygen and carbon dioxide balance in the
atmosphere.
iii) Forests help in bringing good rainfall.
iv) Forest help to protect soil from erosion.
v) Forest absorbs rainwater and helps to maintain the water table.
vi) We get medicinal plants, timber, and many other useful products from
forests.
vii) Many people live in forests and forests provide them with food, water,
shelter, and medicines.
FOR BELIEVING ON ME IN THIS LONG JOURNEY