4. Forests and their importance

Earth is filled with many species of plants and animals. Around \(70 −100 \ lakh\) species are present on the earth. All these animals and plants together are called Biodiversity. A variety of organisms are essential for humanity's survival and well-being. Biodiversity - "Bio" means life, and "diversity" means different or varieties.

Forests are an essential part of our environment since they are a habitat for microorganisms, flowering plants, shrubs, climbers, and dense trees and provide a wide habitat for wild animals. 

 

 

Forests contribute to the economic development of our country. They are essential for human life because they provide a diverse range of renewable natural resources. Forests are renewable resources covering  nearly \(30 \ %\) of the world land surface. They provide timber, wood, fodder, fibre, paper, spices, natural rubber, spices, cork, gum, honey, and medicinal plants.

 

 

Forests are a major factor of environmental concern. Forests produce oxygen through photosynthesis and maintain the carbon dioxide levels present in the atmosphere. Thus, they act as a carbon sink.

 

 

Forests also regulate climatic conditions, control the surface water runoff, protects the soil from soil erosion, increase rainfall, reduce global warming, prevents natural hazards such as floods and landslides.

 

They protect wildlife, maintain the water cycle, fulfil our freshwater requirements, and act as catchments for water conservation. Forests also help to preserve the ecological balance.