Forests: Our Lifeline Class 7 Notes Science Chapter 17
Forests: Our Lifeline Class 7 Notes Science Chapter 17
Preview of the chapter
We used to dwell in forests in ancient times. It met all of our needs for a normal existence at the time. We currently live in cities and towns that are far from trees, therefore we are unaware of the value of forests in our lives. It is a natural renewable resource that serves as a habitat (home) for a variety of wildlife species such as bears, bison, jackals, deer, porcupines, elephants, and others.
Many trees are found in the forests, including sal, teak, semal, Sheesham, neem, Palash, fig, khair, amla, bamboo, kachnar, and many others. Insects, butterflies, honeybees, and birds inhabit the forest and aid in pollination of the forest's flowering plants.
Deforestation
Deforestation is the process of clearing or removing forests or wooded areas from their natural state. It is mainly caused by human activities such as logging, agriculture, urbanization, and mining. Deforestation has become a major environmental issue that has serious consequences for the Earth's ecosystems and the global climate.
Consequences of Deforestation
The impact of deforestation is significant in many ways. One of the most significant impacts is the loss of biodiversity. Forests are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. When forests are cut down, these species lose their habitat and can become endangered or even extinct. Deforestation also disrupts the water cycle, as trees play a critical role in absorbing and releasing water. This can lead to soil erosion, flooding, and drought.
Deforestation is also a major contributor to climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere and release oxygen. When forests are cut down, this carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, contributing to the warming of the Earth's climate. Deforestation is estimated to be responsible for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Wildlife Conservation
Conservation of forest and wildlife
- These areas provide a safe haven for endangered and threatened species and help to maintain biodiversity.
- Sustainable forestry: Promoting sustainable forestry practices can help to ensure that forests are managed in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- This can be achieved by using techniques such as selective logging, where only mature trees are harvested, and replanting trees to replace those that have been harvested.
- Wildlife conservation: Wildlife conservation measures such as protecting habitat, controlling hunting and poaching, and breeding endangered species in captivity can help to conserve wildlife populations.
- Community involvement: Engaging local communities in forest and wildlife conservation efforts can help to ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts.
- This can be achieved by involving local people in decision-making processes, providing them with alternative livelihood opportunities, and raising awareness about the importance of forests and wildlife.
- Education and awareness: Educating people about the importance of forests and wildlife, as well as the threats they face, is crucial for promoting conservation efforts.
- This can be done through public awareness campaigns, school programs, and community outreach programs.
Species
Species is a group of populations, which are capable of interbreeding (reproducing fertile offspring).
Flora and fauna
The plants and animals observed in a specific region are referred to as flora and fauna of that region.
Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere and Biodiversity
The biosphere is the portion of the Earth where life exists, and biodiversity is the variety of living organisms in a given area. Biodiversity is critical for the functioning of the biosphere, as it provides important ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, soil formation, and regulation of the climate. However, biodiversity is under threat from a range of human activities, including habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, pollution, and climate change. This loss of biodiversity is a major environmental issue with serious consequences for the biosphere and human well-being.
Endemic species
Endemic species are species of plants and animals that are exclusively found only in a particular region or area.
Wildlife Conservation Projects
Wildlife conservation projects are initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats. These projects are important for preserving biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, and promoting sustainable use of natural resources. Examples of wildlife conservation projects include habitat protection, wildlife rehabilitation and rescue, anti-poaching initiatives, ecotourism, conservation breeding programs, and research and monitoring. Habitat protection involves the establishment of protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and biosphere reserves. Wildlife rehabilitation and rescue centers provide care and medical attention to injured or orphaned animals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.
Anti-poaching initiatives involve law enforcement efforts to stop poaching and disrupt illegal trade networks. Ecotourism provides a sustainable way to generate income for local communities while promoting conservation. Conservation breeding programs involve breeding endangered species in captivity with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Research and monitoring is essential for understanding the threats facing species and developing effective conservation strategies.
Make the World a Greener Place
Recycling of Paper
Paper is recycled so that more trees do not have to be cut down to create more paper. It is important that we conserve trees and reduce the use of paper as much as possible.
Reforestation
Reforestation is restoring of the cleared or destroyed forests by planting new trees.
Extinction
Extinction
- Extinction is the complete disappearance of a species from the Earth.
- Extinction is a natural process, and it has occurred throughout the history of life on Earth.
- However, the rate of extinction has increased significantly in recent times due to human activities.
- There are several causes of extinction, including habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overhunting, and introduction of non-native species.
Tiger Project
Endangered species
Endangered animals are those whose numbers are dwindling to the point where they may become extinct. For example, giant pandas and tigers. The Red Data Book is a source (reference) book that keeps track of all the endangered plants and animals.
Ecosystem An ecosystem is a region that includes all of the live plants, animals, and microbes in a given area, as well as non-living components such as climate, soil, river deltas, and so on.
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