Forest Value
What is one ecological value of forests?
They provide habitat for organisms.
What are the three main methods of timber harvesting?
Clear-cutting, seed-tree approach, and selection system.
What is the main characteristic of clear-cutting?
Cutting down all trees in a region.
How does deforestation differ from timber harvesting?
Deforestation replaces forested areas with other land uses.
What does biodiversity refer to in the context of forests?
The variety of different species in a forest ecosystem.
Name a source of economic value that forests provide.
Timber for lumber and fuel.
What type of regrowth does clear-cutting typically result in?
Even-aged regrowth.
What abiotic conditions can change due to clear-cutting?
Light penetration, precipitation, wind, and temperature.
What are the negative effects of deforestation in tropical regions?
Loss of biodiversity and increased risk of desertification.
Why is uneven-aged growth more desirable than even-aged growth?
It tends to be more biodiverse.
How do forests help in purifying water?
Forests filter pollutants and sediments from water.
What is the benefit of the seed-tree approach?
It leaves mature trees standing to reseed the area.
What is one benefit of clear-cutting?
It is cost-efficient.
What has global deforestation contributed to the atmosphere?
It adds CO2 to Earth’s atmosphere.
What is one consequence of reduced biodiversity in forests?
It can lead to ecosystem instability.
Why is biodiversity important in forests?
It supports ecosystem stability and resilience.
What is a cost associated with the selection system?
It can be expensive and more dangerous for loggers.
What is a significant cost of clear-cutting?
It usually displaces or destroys entire communities.
How did deforestation facilitate U.S. expansion?
It provided timber and farmland.
How does deforestation affect global species diversity?
It significantly reduces the number of species and their habitats.
What is one way forests contribute to carbon storage?
They store carbon and release oxygen during photosynthesis.
What is one environmental impact of clear-cutting?
It can cause soil erosion and change abiotic conditions.
Why is even-aged regrowth less biodiverse?
It often lacks the variety of species found in uneven-aged regrowth.
What happens to old-growth forests once they are logged?
They may need hundreds of years to regrow.
What role do forests play in maintaining ecological balance?
They support diverse organisms and prevent ecosystem collapse.