Exercises
- Explain how animals dwelling in the forest help it grow and regenerate.
- Animals help in the dispersal of seeds through their droppings. Decomposers like fungi and insects break down dead plants and animals into humus, which enriches the soil. Carnivores control the herbivore population, maintaining ecological balance.
- Explain how forests prevent floods.
- Forests act as a natural sponge by absorbing rainwater. The roots of trees hold the soil together, preventing erosion. The canopy slows down raindrops, and decayed material on the forest floor allows water to seep into the ground, maintaining the water table.
- What are decomposers? Name any two of them. What do they do in the forest?
- Decomposers are organisms that break down dead plants and animals into humus. Examples: Fungi and bacteria. They recycle nutrients into the soil, ensuring its fertility.
- Explain the role of forests in maintaining the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Forests absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen. This process helps maintain the balance of gases in the atmosphere, essential for life on Earth.
- Explain why there is no waste in a forest.
- In forests, dead plants and animals are decomposed into humus by microorganisms. Nutrients from the humus are absorbed by plants, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
- List five products we get from forests.
- Timber, honey, gum, medicinal plants, and bamboo.
Fill in the blanks:
- (a) The insects, butterflies, honeybees, and birds help flowering plants in pollination.
(b) A forest is a purifier of air.
(c) Herbs form the lowest and second-lowest layer in the forest.
(d) The decaying leaves and animal droppings in a forest enrich the soil.
- Why should we worry about the conditions and issues related to forests far from us?
- Forests regulate the global climate, support biodiversity, and maintain the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance. Deforestation in one area can lead to climate change, reduced rainfall, and loss of species, which affect the entire planet.
- Explain why there is a need for a variety of animals and plants in a forest.
- The diversity of plants and animals ensures ecological balance. Different species interact to form food chains and webs. Loss of one species can disrupt these systems, affecting the entire forest ecosystem.
- Mark the directions on the arrows and label Fig. 12.15 with the provided terms.
(Refer to the labeled diagram below)
Diagram for Question 10
Labeled Components:
- Clouds: Top center
- Rain: Arrows pointing down to the soil and plants
- Atmosphere: Above plants and animals
- Carbon dioxide: Arrow from animals to plants
- Oxygen: Arrow from plants to animals
- Plants: Green elements rooted in the soil
- Animals: Near plants
- Soil: Ground level
- Roots: Underground structures connecting plants and soil
- Water table: Underground, below the roots
- Which of the following is not a forest product?
(i) Gum
(ii) Plywood
(iii) Sealing wax
(iv) Kerosene - Which of the following statements is not correct?
(i) Forests protect the soil from erosion.
(ii) Plants and animals in a forest are not dependent on one another.
(iii) Forests influence the climate and water cycle.
(iv) Soil helps forests to grow and regenerate. - Micro-organisms act upon the dead plants to produce:
(iii) Humus
Extended Learning — Activities and Projects
- Write a letter to the Department of Environment: (Sample points for the letter)
- Express concern about forest clearing for housing projects.
- Highlight the importance of forests in controlling floods, maintaining air quality, and supporting biodiversity.
- Suggest alternative solutions like urban redevelopment or afforestation.
- Forest Visit Guidelines:
- Follow local regulations and obtain permission.
- Carry maps and go with a knowledgeable guide.
- Observe, sketch, and photograph plants and animals.
- Collect seeds or nuts but avoid disturbing nests or birds.
- Interview locals and forest officials to learn about their challenges and perspectives.
Questions and Answers
General Understanding
- What is a forest?
- A forest is a large area covered with trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses that provide habitat to a variety of plants and animals.
- Why are forests called ‘green lungs’?
- Forests release oxygen through photosynthesis and maintain the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- What is the canopy in a forest?
- The canopy is the topmost layer of the forest, formed by the branches and leaves of tall trees.
- What is humus?
- Humus is the dark, organic material formed from the decay of dead plants and animals, enriching the soil with nutrients.
- What do decomposers do in the forest?
- Decomposers break down dead plant and animal material, converting it into humus and recycling nutrients into the soil.
Importance of Forests
- List three products obtained from forests.
- Timber, medicinal plants, and gum.
- How do forests help in preventing floods?
- Forests absorb rainwater and allow it to seep into the ground, preventing soil erosion and flooding.
- What role do forests play in the water cycle?
- Forests release water vapor into the air through transpiration, helping in cloud formation and maintaining the water cycle.
- How do forests protect soil?
- Tree roots bind the soil, preventing soil erosion during heavy rains.
- What would happen to animals if forests disappear?
- Animals would lose their food and shelter, disrupting the ecosystem.
Components of a Forest
- What are the different layers in a forest?
- Canopy, understorey, and forest floor.
- What types of plants grow in a forest?
- Trees like sal, teak, neem, and bamboo, as well as shrubs, herbs, grasses, and climbers.
- What kind of animals live in forests?
- Animals like monkeys, deer, jackals, boars, bison, and a variety of insects.
- How do animals contribute to forest growth?
- Animals disperse seeds through their droppings, helping in forest regeneration.
- What is the forest floor covered with?
- The forest floor is covered with dead leaves, fruits, seeds, twigs, and decaying matter.
Ecosystem and Interdependence
- What is a food chain? Give an example.
- A food chain shows the transfer of energy through organisms. Example: Grass → Insects → Frog → Snake → Eagle.
- How are food chains linked in a forest?
- All food chains are interconnected, forming a complex food web.
- What happens if one component of the forest is removed?
- Removing one component affects other parts of the ecosystem, disrupting food chains and forest balance.
- What role do fungi and microorganisms play in forests?
- They decompose dead material and recycle nutrients into the soil.
- Why is the forest considered a ‘dynamic living entity’?
- The forest is full of life, with plants, animals, and decomposers continuously interacting and maintaining balance.
Human Interaction and Consequences
- How do forests benefit humans?
- Forests provide oxygen, wood, medicines, and help in maintaining rainfall and climate balance.
- What is deforestation?
- Deforestation is the clearing of forests for agriculture, factories, or urban development.
- What are the effects of deforestation?
- Increased carbon dioxide, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, floods, and climate change.
- What can be done to preserve forests?
- Planting trees, preventing illegal logging, promoting afforestation, and reducing dependence on forest products.
- Why do people living in forests depend on them?
- Forests provide them with food, shelter, water, and medicinal plants.
Activities and Observations
- What should you take on a forest visit?
- Items like a notebook, knife, hand lens, and a stick.
- What can be observed on the forest floor?
- Decaying leaves, seeds, insects, mushrooms, and humus.
- What is the role of dead leaves in the forest?
- They decompose into humus, providing nutrients to plants and maintaining soil fertility.
- How do forests reduce noise pollution?
- Forests absorb noise, creating a quieter environment.
- How can you observe seed dispersal in forests?
- By noting animal droppings with seeds or observing how seeds cling to clothes and hair.
These questions cover the essential aspects of forests, their ecosystem, and the significance of preserving them.
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