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๐ฌ Think about it
What does a forest give you that you cannot buy? Fresh air, clean water, food, even calm. Ecosystems give us many free gifts. But if we misuse them, the gifts stop. Let us see what ecosystems do for us.
How do ecosystems benefit humans?
- Forests give fresh air, fertile soil, food, fibres, timber and medicines.
- Aquatic ecosystems give us water and food.
- Ecosystems also offer beauty and places to relax.
- So they support our well-being and link nature to humans.
Example:
A forest gives clean air to breathe and timber to build, just like a generous friend who keeps giving.
Why are the Sundarbans special and under threat?
- They have the largest mangrove forests in the world.
- They slow strong winds and waves during storms and floods.
- UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site in 1987.
- But tree cutting, hunting and pollution now threaten them.
The Sundarbans Under Threat
A protected mangrove forest
↓
Trees cut
Mangroves cut for fuelwood and farming.
↓
Hunting and pollution
Illegal hunting and waste damage the habitat.
↓
The ecosystem is seriously disturbed
๐ฌ Our scientific heritage
- Protected areas are land or water set aside to conserve wildlife.
- India has national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.
- They protect endangered animals, birds and rare plants.
- Famous ones include Jim Corbett and Manas National Park.
- Others are Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Chilika Lake.
- They help save nature for future generations.
Important Points
- Ecosystems give clean air, water, food, medicine and beauty.
- Overusing or misusing resources disturbs the balance.
- Conservation through national parks protects whole habitats.
โ Test Yourself
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Name three benefits a forest gives us.
View Answer
Fresh air, fertile soil and food (also fibres, timber and medicines). -
Why are the Sundarbans important?
View Answer
They have the world's largest mangroves and protect coasts from storms. -
What threatens the Sundarbans?
View Answer
Cutting mangroves, illegal hunting, overuse of resources and pollution. -
What is a protected area?
View Answer
Land or water set aside to conserve wildlife and their habitats. -
Name one famous protected area in India.
View Answer
Jim Corbett National Park (also Manas, Nilgiri or Chilika Lake).
Important Definitions
- Ecosystem services — the benefits ecosystems give us, like air, water and food.
- Protected area — land or water set aside to conserve wildlife and habitats.
๐ NCERT Question 3 — Selvam from Cuddalore district
Selvam's village was less affected by the 2004 Tsunami due to mangroves. Help explain how mangroves protect.
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๐ NCERT Question 5 — In a school garden
Students noticed fewer butterflies. What could be the reasons and how can they bring more back?
View Answer →
