Teacher Information!

1. Teacher Information! • Necessary materials • PowerPoint Guide

2. The Ecological Importance of Forests Pgs 246-247 in Ch.19 of Managing Our Natural Resources Rangelands, Forests, & Fire

3. Students will be able to… • Discuss the connections between forests and • The atmosphere • Global climate • Other resources (soil, water, wildlife)

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

5. 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

6. 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!

7. Carbon Dioxide—Oxygen Exchange • Photosynthesis • Removes CO2 from the atmosphere • Returns O2 to the atmosphere • Tropical rainforests  sometimes called the “lungs of the Earth”

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Review • Discuss the connections between forests and • The atmosphere • Global climate • Other resources (soil, water, wildlife)