Page 149 - Science Class 07

16
16
16

Forest — A Precious Gift

• Importance of Forests • Interdependence of Plants and Animals
• Deforesta on • Afforesta on

People began life on this planet as forest nature. They help in cycling nutrients, producing
dwellers. They were food gatherers and oxygen, reducing atmospheric pollu on. They
depended on the forest for all their needs— also regulate stream flow, reduce flooding, store
food, clothing and shelter. They gradually water, moderate soil erosion and reclaim
became food growers, clearing a small patch in degraded land.
the forest to grow food. But they con nued to Forest also provide shade which prevents the
depend on forests to meet a lot of their needs. soil from becoming too dry and friable (easily
Even today people depend on the forest for crumbled) during the summer. Further they
paper, mber, fuelwood, medicine and fodder. improve the equality of soil by increasing its

We depend on forests for our survival, from the porosity and fer lity by contribu ng humus to
air we breathe to the wood we use. Besides it. It is now clear that forests are very important
providing habitats for animals and livelihoods for a healthy and balanced environment.
for humans, forests also offer watershed
protec on, prevent soil erosion and mi gate
climate change. Yet, despite our dependence
on forests, we are s ll allowing them to
disappear.

IMPORTANCE OF FORESTS

Forests are of immense value to the life and
prosperity of human beings and of na ons.
Let’s see:

Environmental Balance
Forests maintain environmental balance in
Forest

Science-7 149