Question

How are forests beneficial to man? Explain it in points.

Answer 1

Forests are beneficial to man in the following ways:

1. Forests provide timber and wood, which are used for manufacturing furniture, railway sleepers, carts, boats, sporting goods, etc.
2. Plants and trees and their fruits and the meat of forest animals are sources of food.
3. Plants in forests are a source of medicines, for example, neem leaves and the bark of the cinchona plant.
4. Forests provide many other resources such as gum, oil, honey and lac. Forest animals are a source of hide, fur, ivory, musk, etc.
5. Forests transpire water vapour, thus ensuring a cool climate and adequate rainfall.
6. Forests absorb carbon dioxide and allow particulate matter to settle on tree leaves. Thus, forests reduce atmospheric pollution and global warming.