MCQ Questions for Class 7 Science Chapter 16 Forests: Our Lifeline with Answers

Forests are an integral part of our ecosystem and serve as our lifeline. For Class 7 students, understanding the importance of forests is crucial in comprehending the delicate balance between nature and human life. Forests provide a range of benefits to humans, including clean air and water, biodiversity conservation, and soil stabilization. Additionally, they play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide.

Forests act as a critical carbon sink, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store it in their leaves, branches, and trunks. This process not only helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere but also provides oxygen that is necessary for human and animal survival. Forests play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, regulating temperature, and reducing the impacts of extreme weather events.

Moreover, forests provide habitats for countless species, including animals, birds, insects, and plants. They also serve as breeding grounds for many endangered species, and their loss can lead to the extinction of these species. Additionally, forests are a source of food, timber, and medicine for many communities around the world. The loss of forests can have significant impacts on the livelihoods of these communities, leading to poverty and social unrest.

Furthermore, forests play a crucial role in regulating the water cycle. They act as a sponge, absorbing rainfall and releasing it slowly into streams, rivers, and lakes. This process helps to prevent floods and droughts and ensures a steady supply of freshwater for communities and ecosystems. Forests also help to prevent soil erosion by holding soil in place with their roots, which helps to maintain the fertility of the soil.

However, forests are under threat from deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Deforestation, the process of cutting down trees, is one of the leading causes of forest loss. Deforestation occurs for various reasons, including agriculture, logging, and mining. The loss of forests can have severe impacts on the environment, leading to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, pollution from industries and human activities can harm the forest ecosystem and its inhabitants.

To address the issue of forest loss, various steps can be taken. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to protect and restore forest cover to ensure their continued contribution to our lives. Forest conservation programs, such as reforestation and afforestation, can help to restore lost forest cover. These programs involve planting trees in areas that were previously forested or where trees never existed. Additionally, implementing sustainable forest management practices can help to prevent deforestation and ensure the long-term health of forest ecosystems.

Furthermore, it is essential to raise awareness about the importance of forests as our lifeline. This can be done by educating students in schools about the benefits of forests and the dangers of deforestation. Additionally, promoting ecotourism can help to create economic incentives for forest conservation while raising awareness about the importance of forests.

In conclusion, forests are our lifeline and play a crucial role in our lives. They provide a range of benefits, including clean air and water, biodiversity conservation, and soil stabilization. Additionally, they play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the significance of forests and take necessary steps to protect and restore them for the well-being of present and future generations.