1. Why ecological significance of forest is more important in present day context? Explain.

 

1.      1. Why ecological significance of forest is more important in present day context? Explain.

 

Forests are our treasures which provide us a wide variety of commodities such as timber, fuel wood, fodder, fibre, fruits, herbal drugs, cosmetics and many types of raw materials used by the industries. A great variety of mammals and birds which live in the forests, serve as useful living resources . Forests play a great role in soil formation, water conservation and regenerating of oxygen. Trees fix CO2 in their biomass and through transpiration (loss of moisture to atmosphere) they moderate the climate.

 

Forests perform certain activities which are crucial for supporting ecological systems and processes directly. Some of these functions and processes are as follows:

· Forests check the soil erosion by preventing the action of winds and water thereby preserves the fertile top soil.

· It prevents landslides and reduces the intensity of cyclones and floods.

· By preventing soil erosion, forests reduce silting of water bodies including reservoirs.

· Forest improves air quality by absorbing toxic gases and particulate matter.

· It protect watersheds and ensure perennial supplies of fresh wate.

 

Increased deforestation is hampering environment in daily basis. So ecological significance of forest is more important in present day context.