Forests provide us with fresh air to breathe, food, medicines, and sources like wood, fodder, and other raw materials for the industries. The consumers who are dependent on the producers or plants for their food are called primary consumers. The primary consumers are used as food by secondary consumers. They are further eaten by tertiary consumers. Food chains begin with plant-life and end with animal-life. We will also learn about the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

A forest is a large area densely populated with trees. Many animals need forests to live and survive. Forests are very important and cover about 30% of land on the earth. They are an ecosystem that includes many plants and animals. Forests provide habitats for many animals. Forests provide residence and food to birds and animals. Thus forests are home to birds and animals.

Consumers who are dependent on the producers for their food are known as primary consumers. The primary consumers who eat producers or feed on plants are also known as herbivores. The consumers who are dependent on secondary consumers for food are called tertiary consumers. The consumers who are dependent on tertiary consumers for food are called final consumers.

Consumers who are dependent on the producers or plants for their food are called primary consumers. The primary consumers are used as food by secondary or carnivorous consumers. Consumers play an important role to balance the food chain. Without proper balance in an ecosystem, the food chain gets disturbed.

Have you ever wondered how the balance of CO2 and O2 is maintained in the atmosphere? During respiration living organisms take oxygen and release carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants take carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere.  That is why forests are called Green Lungs. Thus the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is maintained.

Soil erosion is the displacement of the upper layer of soil, which may lead to soil degradation. The plants and trees prevent rainwater from directly flowing away. Thus, the roots of the plants hold the soil and prevent it from flowing away during heavy rainfall helping in preventing soil erosion.