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Chapter 3: Plate Tectonics

Earth: Our HomeFull Geography

CHAPTER 10CHAPTER 10

Forests As a Resource

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 You will learn«

- to discuss the functions and uses of 

forests

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Functions and Uses of Forests

Maintaining the water supply

Maintaining nutrients in the soil

Replenishing oxygen and removing carbon

dioxide Habitat for flora and fauna

Protecting the coast

Natural treatment of waste water 

Habitat

Recreation

Research and education

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Functions and Uses of 

Forests Maintaining the water supply

- forests enable water to be collected and stored

within a water catchment.

- forests are able to maintain the quality and

quantity of water.

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Quality of water in a forested area

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Quality of water in an urban

area

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Replenishing oxygen and

removing carbon dioxide

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Preventing floods & coasts

Forests prevent floods by reducing the

likelihood of the river from overflowing its banks.

Protecting coasts - mangrove forests protectcoastal areas from storms and strong waves.

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Natural treatment of waste

water  Mangrove forests are able to process

waste materials carried by the water.

The roots of the mangrove trees help totrap waste materials and filter the water 

before it flows into the sea.

Mangrove forests act as the natural

treatment µplant¶ of waste water and

materials.

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Mangroves protecting a

settlement

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Habitat for flora and fauna

Forests are natural habitats for many of the

world¶s flora and fauna.

A habitat is the environment where plants

and animals live in.

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Source of Useful Materials Forests are a rich source of timber.

Forests are a renewable resource as they

can be replanted after they have been

cleared. It takes about 40 years for a tree to mature

before it is suitable for harvesting.

Question: What is timber used for?

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Fuelwood and charcoal

In many less developed countries people

still gather wood from forests for cooking and

heating.

Charcoal is another source of fuel that can

be obtained from forests.

Forests also provide

food, medicines and

chemicals.

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Others uses of forests Habitat for people

- approximately 60 million people lives

in the tropical rainforests of South

America, Southeast Asia and Africa. Recreation

- ecotourism has increased where activities

like hiking and camping are carried out.

Research and education

- scientists study how people are

affected by changes in the ecosystem.

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The Future of Our Forests Forests are disappearing at a very rapid

rate.

The destruction of forest means the loss of 

future benefits and discoveries. The future of our forests depends on how

we can prevent their destruction.

Question: Discuss ways on how we can

conserve the forest for future generations.