Question

• Other than trees what all is there in a forest?

• Do all forests have similar types of trees? How many trees can you identify?

• Suryamani says, “If the forests are not there, we too will not remain.” Why so?

Answer 1

• Other than trees, there are different kinds of animals, birds, insects and forest people (adivasis) in the forest. They live in association with plants and trees of the forests.

• No, forests have different types of trees. Forests are described according to the location, climate and types of trees they have. The forests usually have teak, sal, bamboo and pine trees.

• Suryamani belonged to the community of forest dwellers (adivasis) who lived in forests. Their livelihood was dependent on forests. They collected leaves and herbs to sell them as medicines in the markets, or make basket out of bamboo and fallen leaves. They ate wild fruits and flesh of the forest animals. So, if the forests were not there, the existence of the adivasis would be endangered.