Explain the Contribution of forest and its Importance for Human Beings

A Forest

A forest is a very large uncultivated piece of land which

• is densely covered with various types of herbs, shrubs, trees, tall grasses, creepers and climbers. At certain places in a forest , trees are so thick that the sunlight barely reaches the forest floor. 
• Provides home for many different birds, animals , insects, worms, reptiles and microbes.

Due to different climatic conditions, there are variations in the types of trees and plants in forests. The types of animals also differ from forest to forest.

Forest Animals and Their Habitats

Forests are the habitat of a large number of different kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, etc. Animals like Bear, Bison, Jackals, Deer, Porcupine, Elephants etc. live in the deeper areas of the forests. 

• Monkeys, Bats and the Birds live on trees. 
• Reptiles such as snakes wriggle on the ground or live in burrows in the soil.
• Spiders, Beetles, and Grubs live on the forest floor. 

Importance of Forests

Forests are one of the most useful renewable resources available on the earth. The major uses/ benefits of forests are listed below.

• Purify the air and control air pollution.
• Regulate climate, and help rainfall.
• Help in replenishing groundwater through seepage of rain water.
• Prevent soil erosion and maintain fertility of the soil. The dry leaves, flowers fruits etc. get converted into humus. The nutrients present in them are washed down by the rain water into the soil to make it fertile.
• Control floods and prevent floods.
• Provide habitat to a wide variety of plants, animals and insects.
• Provide many useful materials- wood, rubber, gum, rosin, non-edible oils, bidi leaf, catechu  (kattha) , honey, honey-bee wax, bamboo, lac etc. 
• Provide many medicinal plants, fruits and berries. 
• Provide many products which are the source of steady income of tribal people living in that area.
• Reduce noise pollution because trees acts as sound absorber.
• Some forests have been developed into recreational parks. These parks provide relaxing camping sites.