Table of Contents
Forest our Lifeline – Class 7- Fill-in-the-Blanks, Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), Very Short Questions With Answers and Explanation
Fill-in-the-Blanks
Forests are large areas covered predominantly by ______ and undergrowth.
- Answer- Trees
- Explanation- Forests consist mainly of trees and various types of undergrowth, forming complex ecosystems.
Trees in forests absorb _______ dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and release _______.
- Answer- Carbon, Oxygen
- Explanation- Through the process of photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
The _______ is the uppermost layer of a forest, formed by the tops of tall trees.
- Answer- Canopy
- Explanation- The canopy layer captures sunlight and protects the lower layers of the forest.
The layer of the forest close to the ground consisting of non-woody plants is known as the _______ layer.
- Answer- Herb
- Explanation- This layer includes plants like ferns and grasses, providing habitat for ground-dwelling creatures.
Humus forms in soil when plant and animal matter _______.
- Answer- Decays
- Explanation- Humus is a dark, organic material essential for forest soil fertility, formed from decaying plant and animal matter.
Humus is vital for supporting soil _______ in a forest.
- Answer- Microorganisms
- Explanation- These microorganisms play a key role in recycling nutrients in the forest ecosystem.
Forests act as natural air _______.
- Answer- Conditioners
- Explanation- Forests contribute to the regulation of temperature and rainfall patterns, akin to air conditioning the environment.
In every forest ecosystem, plants are the primary _______.
- Answer- Producers
- Explanation- Plants produce their own food through photosynthesis, making them the primary producers in forest ecosystems.
Animals in the forest, depending on their diet, can be herbivores, carnivores, or _______.
- Answer- Omnivores
- Explanation- Omnivores are animals that consume both plants and animals, making them an important part of the forest food chain.
_______ like fungi and bacteria break down dead plants and animals in the forest.
- Answer- Decomposers
- Explanation- Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the soil, playing a crucial role in the forest ecosystem.
Scavengers such as vultures and crows help in cleaning up the forest by consuming dead _______ and plants.
- Answer- Animals
- Explanation- Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to maintain the cleanliness and health of the forest ecosystem.
Forests contribute to the _______ cycle by releasing water into the atmosphere.
- Answer- Water
- Explanation- Through the process of transpiration, forests release water into the atmosphere, contributing to the water cycle.
The roots of trees in a forest help in preventing _______ and soil erosion.
- Answer- Floods
- Explanation- Tree roots absorb water and hold the soil together, reducing the risk of floods and soil erosion.
Forests provide habitat and support _______.
- Answer- Biodiversity
- Explanation- Forests are home to a diverse range of plants and animals, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance.
Deforestation leads to the increase of _______ in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
- Answer- Carbon dioxide
- Explanation- Cutting down trees in large numbers releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, exacerbating global warming.
Forests act as natural sponges, soaking up water and reducing the risk of _______.
- Answer- Floods
- Explanation- Trees absorb rainwater, preventing excessive water runoff and thereby reducing flood risks.
Using _______ products helps reduce the demand for wood and the need for deforestation.
- Answer- Recycled
- Explanation- Recycling reduces the need for fresh raw materials like wood, thereby conserving forests.
_______ involves planting trees in areas that have been deforested.
- Answer- Afforestation
- Explanation- Afforestation is the process of planting trees in previously deforested areas to restore ecosystems.
Sustainable forest management may include practices like selective _______ and replanting.
- Answer- Logging
- Explanation- Sustainable practices involve responsibly using forest resources, including selectively cutting down trees.
Forests undergo _______ changes, affecting the availability of food and shelter for animals.
- Answer- Seasonal
- Explanation- Forests experience different phases throughout the seasons, impacting the ecosystem’s dynamics.
Decomposers in forests break down dead matter, returning _______ to the soil.
- Answer- Nutrients
- Explanation- Decomposers like fungi and bacteria play a vital role in nutrient cycling by decomposing organic matter.
One of the most common products obtained from forests is _______.
- Answer- Wood
- Explanation– Wood is extensively used for building homes, making furniture, and creating paper products.
Forests are rich sources of _______ plants, which are used in traditional and modern medicines.
- Answer- Medicinal
- Explanation- Many medicinal plants and herbs found in forests are key ingredients in various medicines.
Forests provide a variety of _______ products like nuts, fruits, and edible mushrooms.
- Answer- Food
- Explanation- Forests offer a range of nutritious food products that form an important part of local and global diets.
_______ is obtained from the sap of rubber trees found in forests.
- Answer- Rubber
- Explanation- Rubber, used in various industries, is a significant product derived from forest trees.
Forests are sources of _______ used in food and pharmaceutical products.
- Answer- Gums
- Explanation- Gums obtained from forests are utilised in various edible and medicinal products.
The bark and flower buds of trees in forests are often used as _______.
- Answer- Spices
- Explanation- Spices like cinnamon and cloves are derived from the parts of trees found in forests.
_______ involves planting new forests in areas without previous tree cover.
- Answer- Afforestation
- Explanation- Afforestation is a practice aimed at creating new forests, enhancing biodiversity and aiding in climate regulation.
Also Check – Chapter 12 – Forests: Our Lifeline – 4 Worksheets Solved and Unsolved – Class 7
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
What is the primary function of the forest canopy?
- (a) Absorbing water
- (b) Providing shelter to animals
- (c) Capturing sunlight
- (d) Decomposing organic matter
Answer- (c) Capturing sunlight
Explanation- The canopy layer plays a crucial role in capturing sunlight for photosynthesis.
Which layer of the forest is dense with bushes and shorter trees?
- (a) Canopy
- (b) Herb layer
- (c) Shrub layer
- (d) Forest floor
Answer- (c) Shrub layer
Explanation- The shrub layer offers habitat for small animals and a multitude of insects and birds.
What role does humus play in the forest soil?
- (a) Decreasing water retention
- (b) Providing essential nutrients
- (c) Making the soil impermeable
- (d) Cooling the soil
Answer- (b) Providing essential nutrients
Explanation- Humus serves as a reservoir of nutrients and improves soil health.
Which gas do forests absorb, helping to mitigate climate change?
- (a) Oxygen
- (b) Nitrogen
- (c) Carbon dioxide
- (d) Hydrogen
Answer- (c) Carbon dioxide
Explanation- Forests absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, through photosynthesis.
Which of the following is not a component of a forest ecosystem?
- (a) Canopy
- (b) Desert
- (c) Understorey
- (d) Forest floor
Answer- (b) Desert
Explanation- Desert is not a component of a forest ecosystem, while the others are layers within a forest.
What is the role of decomposers in a forest ecosystem?
- (a) Pollinating plants
- (b) Hunting other animals
- (c) Breaking down dead matter
- (d) Eating fruits and seeds
Answer- (c) Breaking down dead matter
Explanation- Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the soil.
Which process in forests contributes to cloud formation and rainfall?
- (a) Photosynthesis
- (b) Transpiration
- (c) Decomposition
- (d) Respiration
Answer- (b) Transpiration
Explanation– Trees release water into the atmosphere through transpiration, contributing to cloud formation and rainfall.
How do forests help in combating climate change?
- (a) By releasing carbon dioxide
- (b) By absorbing carbon dioxide
- (c) By increasing soil erosion
- (d) By reducing oxygen levels
Answer- (b) By absorbing carbon dioxide
Explanation- Forests absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, helping to mitigate climate change.
What is a key role of scavengers in forest ecosystems?
- (a) Producing food
- (b) Cleaning up dead matter
- (c) Pollinating flowers
- (d) Absorbing water
Answer- (b) Cleaning up dead matter
Explanation- Scavengers consume dead animals and plants, aiding in forest cleanliness and disease prevention.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of a healthy forest ecosystem?
- (a) Diverse animal species
- (b) Frequent forest fires
- (c) Rich plant life
- (d) Active decomposers
Answer- (b) Frequent forest fires
Explanation- While some fires can be beneficial, frequent fires are typically not characteristic of a healthy forest ecosystem.
What is a major consequence of deforestation?
- (a) Increased urbanisation
- (b) Improved air quality
- (c) Habitat loss
- (d) More rainfall
Answer- (c) Habitat loss
Explanation- Deforestation leads to the loss of habitats, threatening the survival of many species.
Which process in forests contributes to oxygen production?
- (a) Respiration
- (b) Transpiration
- (c) Photosynthesis
- (d) Decomposition
Answer- (c) Photosynthesis
Explanation- Through photosynthesis, trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
What role does afforestation play in forest conservation?
- (a) Reducing biodiversity
- (b) Increasing urban areas
- (c) Restoring ecosystems
- (d) Promoting deforestation
Answer- (c) Restoring ecosystems
Explanation- Afforestation helps restore and rebuild forest ecosystems.
Which of the following is a method of sustainable forest management?
- (a) Clear-cutting
- (b) Selective logging
- (c) Industrial pollution
- (d) Overgrazing
Answer- (b) Selective logging
Explanation- Selective logging is a sustainable practice, ensuring forests remain intact for future generations.
How do forests influence the climate?
- (a) By reducing carbon storage
- (b) By increasing temperatures
- (c) By regulating temperatures
- (d) By promoting soil erosion
Answer- (c) By regulating temperatures
Explanation- Forests help moderate temperatures through processes like transpiration and carbon storage.
What is a primary use of wood obtained from forests?
- (a) Food preparation
- (b) Medicine production
- (c) Construction and furniture making
- (d) Clothing manufacturing
Answer- (c) Construction and furniture making
Explanation– Wood from forests is primarily used for construction, furniture making, and paper products.
Which of the following is not typically a product obtained from forests?
- (a) Rubber
- (b) Resins
- (c) Plastics
- (d) Gums
Answer- (c) Plastics
Explanation- Unlike rubber, resins, and gums, plastics are not naturally derived from forests.
What is the significance of afforestation?
- (a) Reducing forest cover
- (b) Enhancing urban development
- (c) Restoring ecosystems
- (d) Increasing pollution
Answer- (c) Restoring ecosystems
Explanation- Afforestation helps restore ecosystems by planting trees in deforested areas.
Which conservation effort is aimed at protecting endangered species?
- (a) Urban development
- (b) Wildlife Conservation Projects
- (c) Industrial expansion
- (d) Agricultural practices
Answer- (b) Wildlife Conservation Projects
Explanation- These projects focus on creating protected areas and conserving species and their habitats.
What role do biosphere reserves play?
- (a) Promoting industrial activities
- (b) Conserving biological and cultural diversity
- (c) Encouraging deforestation
- (d) Reducing genetic diversity
Answer- (b) Conserving biological and cultural diversity
Explanation- Biosphere reserves aim to conserve biological and cultural diversity while promoting sustainable development.
Very Short Questions
What are forests predominantly covered by?
- Answer- Trees
What is the significance of forests in maintaining air quality?
- Answer- Forests absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
Name the uppermost layer of a forest.
- Answer- Canopy
What is humus and why is it important?
- Answer- Humus is organic material from decayed matter, important for soil fertility.
How do forests influence climate?
- Answer- They regulate temperature and rainfall patterns.
What are the primary producers in a forest ecosystem?
- Answer- Plants
Name two types of consumers in a forest.
- Answer- Herbivores and Carnivores
What process in forests helps in cloud formation?
- Answer- Transpiration
Why are forests important in climate regulation?
- Answer- They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
What role do scavengers play in forests?
- Answer- They help clean up by consuming dead matter.
What is a significant impact of deforestation on the environment?
- Answer- Climate change
Why is recycling important for forest conservation?
- Answer- It reduces the need for wood.
What process do trees in forests primarily use to produce oxygen?
- Answer- Photosynthesis
What does sustainable forest management aim to achieve?
- Answer- Responsible use of forest resources
How do forests contribute to preventing pollution?
- Answer- By filtering air and water pollutants
Name a common furniture-making material obtained from forests.
- Answer- Wood
What are medicinal plants used for?
- Answer- Producing traditional and modern medicines
Why is rubber an important forest product?
- Answer- It’s used in various industries, including automotive and medical.
What is the purpose of afforestation?
- Answer- To create new forests and restore ecosystems
What do biosphere reserves aim to achieve?
- Answer- To conserve biological and cultural diversity
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