Geo facts

Discovering forests

Forests are amazing places that should be protected over the generations. However, over the years the extent of forests cover on Planet Earth keeps changing due to increasing demands of the ever growing human population.

Originally most European countries were densely covered by forests but today very few areas of protected forest cover remain. Two tropical forests many of you are undoubtedly familiar with are the Amazon Rainforest and the Sinharaja Rainforest.

Environmentalists, scientists and ecologists warn of the hazards mankind could face through the destruction of forests, the world over. So, let's check out some interesting facts about forests.

Different levels of vegetation

A forest is like a well organised community. Each plant occupies a certain level or height. Ferns, shrubs, bushes and trees are well arranged in tiers.

Unlike when trees grow on their own, in a forest environment trees maintain a different growth pattern. Generally, the trunks grow higher because their lower branches dwindle and die. Forestry techniques promote the growth of tall, straight trees suitable for use as timber.

Type of trees

Each climate has its forest. Some forests consist of deciduous trees such as oaks, birches and beeches.

Mountain forests and forests in northern countries consist of evergreen conifers like pines, firs and spruces.

Tropical rain forest have hundreds of different kinds of trees some of which are deciduous in the dry season.

Role of forests

Forests play an important role in the stability of the natural environment.

They protect the soil from erosion.

The roots of trees hold the earth and sand together and prevent erosion by wind and rain.

They purify the air

The atmosphere is purified by the release of oxygen from trees.

They affect the climate

Trees have a vital role to play in the water cycle which affects the climate. Trees draw water from the ground through the roots and release it as water vapour into the atmosphere. This contributes to the formation of clouds.

Many species in the animal kingdom depend on trees for shelter and even food.

They prevent floods

The trees in forests have the ability to quickly absorb the water that gets into the soil. So, when water overflows a river bank, it can often be absorbed by the trees before too much damage can be done.

Enemies of the forests

The forest has two main enemies. They are humans and fire.

Humans are responsible for:

* Over exploitation

* Felling of trees

* Not replanting cut trees

* Lack of conservation

* Setting fire

* Polluting forests

Fire

Forest fires which occur naturally or as a result of man's actions have a devastating impact on forests and its animal inhabitants. Such fires destroy acres of valuable forest cover impacting the climate of the region.

Did you know?

* That acid rain (water mixed with polluted air) is very harmful to forests?

* That entire forests can be destroyed by insects which sometimes bore into barks or chew leaves?

* That each day up to 1,200 litres (1.057 quarts) of oxygen is produced by 93 sq.m (1,00 sq. ft) of forests?

* That the age of a cut tree can be found by the number of rings visible in a cross section of the trunk.