Question

Why are forests important? [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each point: 1 Mark

1) Forests provide us with oxygen.

• A single mature, leafy tree is estimated to produce a day's supply of oxygen for 5 to 10 people on an average.

2) They provide habitat to a large number of plants, animals and humans.

• They provide almost 80% of biodiversity on land.
• Almost 2 billion people rely on forests.

3) Forests help in bringing good rainfall in neighboring areas.
4) They are good sources of medicinal plants, timber and many other useful products.
5) They prevent soil erosion, regulate the flow of rivers and reduce the frequency and intensity of floods.

• Tree roots are very helpful during heavy rainfall, especially for low-lying areas like river plains. They help the ground absorb the flash flood, reducing soil loss and property damage by slowing the flow.