Teacher Information!

Necessary materials

PowerPoint Guide
The Ecological Importance of
Forests
Pgs 246-247 in Ch.19 of Managing Our Natural
Resources
Rangelands, Forests, & Fire
Students will be able to…

Discuss the connections between forests and



The atmosphere
Global climate
Other resources (soil, water, wildlife)
Forests…

Provide us with many important products,
but…

They are just as important from an ecological
perspective
Climate Moderation




Transpiration in forests = the world’s largest
air conditioner
Provides shade for wildlife, livestock, people,
and soil
Windbreaks
Filter out dust and noise
Old-Growth Forests





Forests that have very large and very old trees
(dead and living)
Also called primary forest, virgin forest,
primeval forest
Very developed understory
Some species are dependent on old-growth
forests
Ecologically important!
Carbon Dioxide—Oxygen Exchange

Photosynthesis



Removes CO2 from the atmosphere
Returns O2 to the atmosphere
Tropical rainforests  sometimes called the
“lungs of the Earth”
Water and Soil Conservation

Forests reduce erosion



Slows movement of water
Holds soil particles in place
Help prevent flooding, sedimentation, and surface
damage from erosion
Water and Soil Conservation

Water is stored in the debris of the forest floor



Slows evaporation
Reduces runoff
Forests filter surface water

Provide safe, clean water
Wildlife and Recreation


Forests provide homes and food for wildlife
Dead trees are just as important as live trees!




Snag a still-standing dead tree
Many organisms require dead trees for habitat
Spiders, beetles, worms, salamanders, bluebirds,
wood ducks, American kestrels
Forests provide solace and quiet for people
Review

Discuss the connections between forests and



The atmosphere
Global climate
Other resources (soil, water, wildlife)