Forest Our Lifeline
- Forests, air, sunlight, water, organic wastes and soil are some natural resources that are modified and used daily.
- Forests are a good source of natural resources like honey, wood, timber, latex etc.
- Plants give us oxygen and control global warming. They prevent soil erosion and provide food and shelter to animals.
- Rapid industrialization and urbanization are some primary reasons for forest depletion.
- We will study the importance of forests in this concept of Forest Our Lifeline.
- Visit the page forests to know more about the importance of forests.
Types of Natural Resources From Forests
Question 1:
What Is a Truffle Mushroom?
Answer:
- Truffle mushrooms are rare and one of the most expensive mushrooms.
- These mushrooms grow in forests under oak and birch trees. They have an earthy smell and pungent taste.
- Due to their musky and nutty flavour, they are used in various dishes and consumed raw.
Question 2:
What Is Manuka Honey?
Answer:
- Manuka honey is more nutritious than ordinary honey. It is extracted from the manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand.
- The consistency of manuka honey is thicker than ordinary honey.
- This honey has antibacterial properties and helps in wound healing. It also soothes sore throat and digestive issues.
Question 3:
What Is Biogas? How Is Biogas Produced?
Answer:
- Biogas is an eco-friendly, biodegradable energy source produced from decomposing animal and plant waste.
- Microorganisms digest organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
- Biogas, also known as biomethane, is used as a vehicle and cooking fuel.
Question 4:
What Are Swamp Forests?
Answer:
- Forests flooded with fresh water to salt water either permanently or seasonally are called swamp forests.
- Swamp forests can be categorized into freshwater swamp forests and saline water swamp forests.
- Example Myristica swamp, Nelapattu Bird sanctuary.
Question 5:
Name Four Medicinal Plants and Write Their Uses.
Answer:
The names of four medicinal plants and their uses are given below:
| Medicinal plants | Uses |
|---|---|
| Brahmi | Treats mental fatigue, anxiety and stress. |
| Bael | Treats constipation. |
| Bhringaraj | It promotes hair growth and has anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Tulsi | It acts as a natural blood purifier and cures fever, cough and cold. |
Question 6:
What Is Latex? Write Its Uses.
Answer:
- Latex is a milky white thick liquid found in some flowering plants.
- Latex is a mixture of various substances like fats, wax, gums, water, salt, tannin, enzymes etc.
- This fluid is considered an excretory material which is abundantly found in stems.
- Rubber, fig and mulberry trees produce latex.
- Latex makes rubber materials like balloons, gloves, rubber balls, bandages etc.
Importance of Forests and Their Conservation
Question 1:
Which Forests Are Called the Lungs of Earth, and Why?
Answer:
- The tropical rainforests are called the lungs of Earth.
- Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the environment during photosynthesis and release oxygen into the atmosphere, which is necessary for survival.
- The Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest rainforest which absorbs a considerable amount of carbon dioxide from the environment and releases oxygen.
Question 2:
What Is Forest Floor? How Is It Important?
Answer:
- The ground surface beneath the trees of a forest is called the forest floor.
- A forest floor is rich in flora and fauna. It is composed of grasses, fungi, tree roots, and creepers. Many animals inhabit the forest floor, like insects and worms.
- A Forest floor plays a crucial role in maintaining the fertility and humus content of the soil. Due to the action of microbes on the forest floor, the recycling of nutrients is ensured.
Question 3:
What Are the Causes of Deforestation?
Answer:
The following are some natural causes of deforestation:
- Due to lightning strikes, dry trees and bushes can catch fire which is destructive for plants and animals living in a forest.
- Volcanic eruptions can destroy forests by causing forest fires.
- Extreme heat sometimes ignites fires too.
