We are going to read about forest trees, Forest is one of the important components of our earth which gives oxygen to the living beings on earth. It absorbs poisonous gases like CO2, which maintains the balance of gases on earth. This oxygen provides shelter and nutrition to many people. Forests also help in rain. Forests play an important role in balancing the ecosystem. We also use trees cut from forests to build our houses. In this we will read about the benefits of forests, importance of forests in our lives, types of forests, and protection of forests trees etc.
Type of forest trees
Forests trees found on Earth are classified based on their soil, climate and geographic conditions. Some of them are given bellow.
(i) Deciduous trees
These are often found in temperate forests, hence it is also known as temperate forest. They shed their leaves according to a particular season. Ex- maple and birch trees, oak, etc.
(ii) Evergreen trees
The leaves of evergreen forests appear green throughout the year. They do not shed their leaves according to the season. They have a special role in balancing the environment. Rainfall and moisture remain constant in these forests. Many medicinal plants are found in these forests. Tropical and coniferous forests are mainly found in it. Ex- spruces, eucalyptus and pines etc.
(iii) Broadleaf trees
As the name suggests, these are broad-leaf forests. These trees have broad and flat leaves. These are found in tropical and subtropical forests. These include species like banyan, teak and mahogany. These trees absorb sunlight well for photosynthesis.
(iv) Coniferous trees
These trees look like cones. They are found in large numbers in the later and colder regions. Their leaves are needle-like which protects them from water loss. They are evergreen trees. They are good and long. Their wood is also used in commercial work. These include deodar, pine, spruce, fir etc.
Read Also- Ornamental pepper plant
Read Also- Spider Crab
Important of forest trees
forests have a huge impact on balancing the environment, the country’s economy, etc. which are given below,
(i) Environmental Benefits
- Oxygen Production- Forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for their food and release pure oxygen back into the atmosphere which is consumed by humans and animals due to which the environment remains balanced and is beneficial for us.
- Soil Conservation- Tree roots hold the soil firmly so that it does not get washed away with water or wind, which prevents soil erosion and maintains fertility and organic matter in the soil.
- Water cycle regulation – Water is evaporated by water vapour. Forests help in rainfall which replenishes the water there. This cycle continues continuously.
(ii) Economy Benefits
- Production By wood- Forest wood is used to make expensive furniture, chairs, tables, cupboards, beds, paper industry etc.
- Medicinal– Many plants have medicinal properties which we use to fight diseases like Neem, Cinchona medicines are made from it.
- Employment- Forests provide employment to many people such as timber sales, beekeeping, paper mills, etc.
(iii) Biodiversity Support
- Habitat for wildlife – Many living beings, animals, birds, insects live in the forest, so it also provides habitat for these living beings.
- Ecosystem stability- Forests maintain the amount of food. It contains a variety of fruits and flowers that meet the needs of living beings.
Role of forest trees in climate change
- It absorbs carbon dioxide.
- It releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
- It reduces the level of greenhouse gases.
- It maintains moisture in the soil.
- It helps in bringing rain.
- It reduces forest land erosion.
- It keeps the air cool, which controls the temperature in urban areas.
Threats the forest trees
Despite the importance of forests in our lives, there are many threats from human and natural factors which are as follows-
- Deforestation- Forests are being cut down at a very fast rate for building houses, and for developing agricultural fields, etc., due to which forests are in danger.
- Forest fires – Due to climate change or human mistakes, many forest fires occur which destroy the forests.
- Illegal logging – Uncontrolled felling of trees or smuggling of woods destroys the forest ecosystem, which has a very bad effect on our wildlife and animals.
- Pest and Disease – Plants are attacked by many diseases and insects, causing the plants to die
Conservation and protection measure
Forests play a huge role in our lives and it is very important to conserve them.
- Afforestation and reforestation – We should plant more trees and pay special attention to reforestation of degraded forests.
- Sustainable forest management- We should plant many trees before cutting one tree and also pay attention to forest-friendly policies.
- Government policies – Many laws must be passed to prevent illegal deforestation.
- Community participation – We should encourage people to plant forests through programs or TV shows and protect the forests that already exist.
Forest Conservation laws and Global forest Act
Many laws have been made for the conservation of forests which are given below.
- Indian Forest Act 1927- In this, illegal cutting of forests, their illegal use has been prevented. This rule has been passed to protect the forests.
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980 – Its main objective is to prevent illegal deforestation, in which we cannot cut forests or plants without the permission of the government.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – According to this rule, we have to protect wildlife. Hunting of wild animals which are getting extinct is considered illegal. By stopping this, the biodiversity of forests can be protected.
- Environmental Protection Act, 1986 – this rule was passed to avoid the degradation of forests. This rule also mentioned the prevention of forest pollution.
- Lacey Act (USA, 1900) – this is the oldest law in America which prohibits illegal timber trade.
- Brazilian Forest Code (1965, revised 2012) – This rule was passed to prevent deforestation in the Amazon and other
- RED+ Program (United Nations) – It was introduced to reduce deforestation in developing countries.
- Montreal Process (1994) – It was the International Agreement for Temperate and Boreal Forests
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992) – It was an international treaty that included promoting local land and protecting biodiversity
Frequently Asked Questions
(i) “If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”
Yes, the tree falling down causes vibrations in the air, which produce sound waves.
(ii) can’t see the forest for the trees
This is an idiom that means not seeing the little things in the pursuit of the big thing.