NCERT Chapter Exercise Solutions

Subject: Science
Chapter Name: 17. Forests: Our Lifeline Class: 7

1. Explain how animals dwelling in the forest help it grow and regenerate.

Answer: Different types of animals are found in the forest. These animals help in
the dispersal of seeds. The animal droppings are rich in nutrients. The
decomposition of this animal dung releases nutrients in the soil, which allows the
seeds to germinate and grow. Thus, the animals living in the forest help in the
growth and regeneration of the forest.

2. Explain how forests prevent floods.

Answer: The forest cover prevents the rainwater from falling on the ground
directly. In general, when the rainwater falls on the ground, it drags away a large
amount of soil and heavy flow of water results in floods. Due to the presence of
forests, the water gets slowly absorbed in the soil. Humus present in the soil of
forests increases the water holding capacity of the soil. Thus, forests can be
helpful to prevent soil erosion and floods.

3. What are decomposers? Name any two of them. What do they do in the
forest?

Answer: The micro-organisms which feed on the dead plants and animals, and
help in converting them to humus are known as decomposers. Examples of
decomposers are bacteria and fungi. In the forest, these decomposers feed on the
dead leaves, other plant parts and dead animals to release the nutrients in the soil.
There is the formation of humus, cleaning of dead matter from the forest and this
helps in nutrient recycling.

4. Explain the role of forest in maintaining the balance between oxygen and
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Answer: Forests serves as a habitat for a variety of plants. As a result of

respiration, carbon dioxide is released in the atmosphere. During the process of
photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen in the
atmosphere. This oxygen is necessary for the survival of organisms. Thus, forests
are known as nature lungs as they help to maintain the balance between oxygen
and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

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 NCERT Chapter Exercise Solutions

Subject: Science
Chapter Name: 17. Forests: Our Lifeline Class: 7

5. Explain why there is no waste in the forest.

Answer: The wastes produced in the forests includes dead parts of the plants,
dead animals, animal droppings, etc. The micro-organisms act on these dead
matter and decompose the matter forming humus. The humus contains nutrients
which are again absorbed by the plants for growth. Thus, the waste generated is
used for nutrient recycling, and hence, there is no waste accumulation in the
forest.

6. List five products we get from forests?

Answer: The list of products we get from forests are:

 Wood
 Paper
 Medicines
 Sealing wax
 Honey

7. Fill in the blanks:

(a) The insects, butterflies, honeybees and birds help flowering plants in pollination.

Explanation: The transfer of pollen grain from the anther to stigma in flowers is
known as pollination. Agents like insects, butterflies, bees and birds help in
pollination while feeding on nectar.

(b) A forest is a purifier of air and water.

Explanation: Forests serves as a habitat for a variety of plants. The plants help
in maintaining O2-CO2 balance and thus, helps in purification of air. The plants
help in the maintenance of the water cycle and prevent droughts and floods. So,
the forest is known to be the purifier of air and water.

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 NCERT Chapter Exercise Solutions

Subject: Science
Chapter Name: 17. Forests: Our Lifeline Class: 7

(c) Herbs form the ground layer in the forest.

Explanation: Based on the height of the plants, they occupy different layers. Tall
trees occupy the top layer, followed by shrubs in the middle layer. The herbs
occupy the ground or lowermost layer in the forest.

(d) The decaying leaves and animal droppings in a forest enrich the humus.

Explanation: The micro-organisms act as decomposers which feed on dead

plants and animals. They convert the dead matter to a dark coloured product
called humus. Leaves and animal droppings are rich in nutrients which get
released into the soil on decomposition.

8. Why should we worry about the conditions and issues related to forests far
from us?

Answer: There are various reasons for which we should be worried about the
conditions and issues related to forests.
 Deforestation may lead to an increase in the frequency of events like soil
erosion, floods, etc.
 The trees maintain the O2-CO2 balance. Without trees, the air quality will be
affected as carbon dioxide level rises.
 There will be an increase in the temperature of Earth’s atmosphere.
 Forests serve as a habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Loss of forest
areas will affect these organisms.

9. Explain why there is a need for a variety of animals and plants in a forest.

Answer: Variety of animals and plants are found in a forest for the maintenance
of the food chain and survival of organisms. The plants, animals, micro-
organisms, etc. all are dependent on each other. Greater variety of plants means
more availability of food for the animals which will support their growth. This
allows life to sustain in the forest.

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 NCERT Chapter Exercise Solutions

Subject: Science
Chapter Name: 17. Forests: Our Lifeline Class: 7

10. In Fig. 17.15, the artist has forgotten to put the labels and directions on the
arrows. Mark the directions on the arrows and label the diagram using the
following labels:

Cloud, rain, atmosphere, carbon dioxide, oxygen, plants, animals, soil, roots,
water table.

Answer:

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 NCERT Chapter Exercise Solutions

Subject: Science
Chapter Name: 17. Forests: Our Lifeline Class: 7

11. Which of the following is not a forest product?

(i) Gum
(ii) Plywood
(iii) Sealing wax
(iv) Kerosene

Answer: (iv) Kerosene

Explanation: Kerosene is used as a fuel and obtained from petrol. Gum, plywood
and sealing wax are the materials obtained from forest.

[Link] of the following statements is not correct?

(i) Forests protect the soil from erosion.
(ii) Plants and animals in a forest are not dependent on one another.
(iii) Forests influence the climate and water cycle.
(iv) Soil helps forests to grow and regenerate.

Answer: (ii) Plants and animals in a forest are not dependent on one another.

Explanation: Plants make food through the process of photosynthesis. Different

type of animals in the forest directly or indirectly depend on the plants for food.
The decomposed nutrients from dead plants and animals are used by the plants
again. Thus, the organisms in the forest are dependent on each other.

[Link]-organisms act upon the dead plants to produce

(i) Sand (ii) Mushrooms (iii) Humus (iv) Wood

Answer: (iii) Humus

Explanation: The micro-organisms act as decomposers which feed on dead

plants and animals. They convert the dead matter to a dark coloured product
called humus.

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