Question

List four ways in which forests are useful to us.

Answer 1

Hint: The forest creates a special environment that supports the earth and it’s life forms.

Complete answer:
The forest is a complex ecosystem consisting mainly of trees and is a house to many living organisms. Life in the forest is governed by factors like air, water, and sunlight. There are a variety of plants available in the forests; herbs, shrubs, and trees depending upon the climate of the region.

Uses of forests
- Forests play a major role in our life. Early humans gathered food and were dependent on forests for all their basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
- Forests help in maintaining the water cycle. The plant absorbs water from the soil through its roots which are transpired by plants in the atmosphere. These processes together form the water cycle.
- Forests prevent soil erosion and floods. Roots of trees bind the soil particles together and prevent the soil from being washed or blown away.
- Forests help in maintaining the temperature and oxygen level of the atmosphere. Plants release oxygen during photosynthesis and consume carbon dioxide this balancing oxygen level in the atmosphere.
- Forests also help in preventing global warming as the increased amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere results in the greenhouse effect and this causes global warming.

Note: Forests play an important role in the economic development of the country. They provide several goods which serve as raw materials for many industries. They are used for a variety of purposes like fuel, timber, pasture, shifting cultivation, shingles, medicine, dyes, water, and religious activities.