Mention the various uses of forests?

(i) They provide us with timber for making furniture. Forests provide us with fruits, food, fibre and fuel.

(ii) The roots of trees and plants bind the soil and help to reduce soil erosion.

(iii) Forests release oxygen that we breathe and absorb carbon dioxide. In this way, they maintain the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the environment. 

(iv) They play an important role in controlling humidity, temperature and precipitation.

(v) Forests help in water percolation. Thus aid in increasing the underground water table.

(vi) Decayed leaves of plants provide humus to the soil and increase its fertility.

(vii) They provide habitation to plants and animals.