Forests: Our Lifeline

Forest

Introduction

• Boojho met Prof Ahmad, a scientist, in the park.
• Prof Ahmad talked about a plan to clear part of a forest to build a factory for jobs.
• Many people objected because forests are important for nature.

Visit to a Forest

• Children decided to visit the forest with Prof Ahmad.

The Forest Trail

• They met Tibu, a boy from a nearby village, who guided them.
• Tibu showed them the forest from a height, which looked like a green cover.

Observing Animals

• They heard birds and saw monkeys, learning about animal warning calls.
• Tibu mentioned other animals like boars, bison, jackals, porcupines, and elephants.

Learning About Trees

• The forest had many trees: sal, teak, semal, sheesham, neem, palash, fig, khair, amla, bamboo, and kachnar.
• The forest floor and trees were covered with creepers and climbers.
• It was dark inside the forest because of the thick tree leaves blocking the sun.

Natural Growth of Forests

• Sheila asked about who planted the trees.
• Prof Ahmad explained that trees grow naturally from seeds that germinate on the forest floor.

Tree Structure

• The upper part of the tree above the stem is called the crown.
• The branches of tall trees form a canopy, like a roof over other plants.

Understanding Forest Layers

• Understoreys: Different horizontal layers in the forest.
  • Top Layer: Giant and tall trees.
  • Middle Layer: Shrubs and tall grasses.
  • Bottom Layer: Herbs.

Variations in Forests

• Different types of trees and animals due to varying climatic conditions.

Observing Wildlife

• Insects and Small Animals: Found on bark, leaves, and decaying matter.
• Butterflies: Seen fluttering around flowers.
• Seeds and Thorns: Can cling to clothes and hair.

Forest Floor

• Covered with: Dead leaves, fruits, seeds, twigs, and small herbs.
• Decaying Matter: Moist and warm, feels like a spongy carpet.

Importance of Trees

• Food Chains: All animals depend on plants.
  • Example: Grass → Insects → Frog → Snake → Eagle
• Interconnected Food Chains: Disturbing one affects others.

Decomposers

• Organisms: Mushrooms, insects, millipedes, ants, and beetles.
• Role: Convert dead plant and animal tissues into humus.
• Humus: Found in soil, important for nutrient cycling.

Nutrient Cycling

• Dead Animals: Eaten by vultures, crows, jackals, and insects.
• Nutrients: Returned to soil and absorbed by plants.

Forests as Green Lungs

• Photosynthesis: Plants release oxygen and maintain oxygen-carbon dioxide balance.
• Water Cycle: Trees take in water through roots and release water vapour.

People Living in Forests

• Dependence on Forests: For food, shelter, water, and medicines.
• Traditional Knowledge: About medicinal plants.

Observing Animals

• Deer Sightings: Boojho saw deer crossing a stream.
• Food and Shelter: Dense bushes and tall grass provide food and protection for animals.

Animal Droppings

• Types of Droppings: Tibu explained different animal droppings.
• Tracking Animals: Forest officers identify animals by their droppings and footprints.
• Seed Dispersal: Animal droppings help spread seeds and provide nutrients for seedlings.

Forest Dynamics

• Diverse Plant Life: Provides food and habitat for herbivores.
• Food Chains: Support a variety of carnivores.
• Decomposers: Maintain nutrient supply for plants.
• Dynamic Living Entity: Forests are full of life and vitality.

Rain in the Forest

• Canopy Protection: Raindrops are intercepted by the canopy, slowing down the water flow.
• Water Absorption: Forest floor absorbs rainwater, preventing floods and maintaining the water table.
• Erosion Prevention: Tree roots bind soil, preventing erosion.

Impact on Villages

• Weather Benefits: Surrounding forests lead to good rainfall and cool air.
• Noise Reduction: Forests absorb noise from highways.
• Historical Changes: Villages and fields were created by clearing forests, leading to environmental changes.

Consequences of Deforestation

• Increased Carbon Dioxide: Leads to higher earth temperatures.
• Loss of Food and Shelter: Animals lose their habitat and food sources.
• Floods: Without trees, soil cannot hold water, causing floods.
• Endangered Life and Environment: Deforestation harms life and the environment.

Importance of Forests

• Provide oxygen.
• Protect soil.
• Offer habitat to many animals.
• Bring good rainfall.
• Source of medicinal plants, timber, and other products.
• Essential to preserve forests for a healthy environment.

Chapter Summary:

• We get various products from the forests around us.
• A forest has many plants, animals, and micro-organisms.
• Trees form the top layer in a forest, followed by shrubs.
• Herbs make up the lowest layer of vegetation.
• Different layers of plants provide food and shelter for animals, birds, and insects.
• All parts of the forest depend on each other.
• Forests keep growing, changing, and can regenerate.
• Soil, water, air, and living organisms interact in a forest.
• Forests prevent soil erosion.
• Soil helps forests grow and regenerate.
• Forests are essential for the communities living in them.
• Forests affect climate, water cycle, and air quality.

Keywords

Serial No.	Keywords	Serial No.	Keywords
1	Canopy	6	Regeneration
2	Crown	7	Seed dispersal
3	Decomposers	8	Soil erosion
4	Deforestation	9	Understorey
5	Humus