Teacher Information o Necessary materials n Power Point

Teacher Information! o Necessary materials n Power. Point 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… o Discuss the connections between forests and n n n The atmosphere Global climate Other resources (soil, water, wildlife)

Forests… o Provide us with many important products, but… o They are just as important from an ecological perspective

Climate Moderation o o 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 o o o 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 o Photosynthesis n n o Removes CO 2 from the atmosphere Returns O 2 to the atmosphere Tropical rainforests sometimes called the “lungs of the Earth”

Water and Soil Conservation o Forests reduce erosion n Slows movement of water Holds soil particles in place Help prevent flooding, sedimentation, and surface damage from erosion

Water and Soil Conservation o Water is stored in the debris of the forest floor n n o Slows evaporation Reduces runoff Forests filter surface water n Provide safe, clean water

Wildlife and Recreation o o Forests provide homes and food for wildlife Dead trees are just as important as live trees! n n n o 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 o Discuss the connections between forests and n n n The atmosphere Global climate Other resources (soil, water, wildlife)