Teacher Information!The Ecological Importance of ForestsStudents will be able to…Forests…Climate ModerationOld-Growth ForestsCarbon Dioxide—Oxygen ExchangeWater and Soil ConservationSlide 9Wildlife and RecreationReviewNecessary materialsPowerPoint GuideTeacher Information!The Ecological Importance of ForestsRangelands, Forests, & FirePgs 246-247 in Ch.19 of Managing Our Natural ResourcesStudents will be able to…Discuss the connections between forests andThe atmosphereGlobal climateOther resources (soil, water, wildlife)Forests…Provide us with many important products, but…They are just as important from an ecological perspectiveClimate ModerationTranspiration in forests = the world’s largest air conditionerProvides shade for wildlife, livestock, people, and soilWindbreaksFilter out dust and noiseOld-Growth ForestsForests that have very large and very old trees (dead and living)Also called primary forest, virgin forest, primeval forestVery developed understorySome species are dependent on old-growth forestsEcologically important!Carbon Dioxide—Oxygen ExchangePhotosynthesis Removes CO2 from the atmosphereReturns O2 to the atmosphereTropical rainforests  sometimes called the “lungs of the Earth”Water and Soil ConservationForests reduce erosionSlows movement of waterHolds soil particles in placeHelp prevent flooding, sedimentation, and surface damage from erosionWater and Soil ConservationWater is stored in the debris of the forest floorSlows evaporationReduces runoffForests filter surface waterProvide safe, clean waterWildlife and RecreationForests provide homes and food for wildlifeDead trees are just as important as live trees!Snag a still-standing dead treeMany organisms require dead trees for habitatSpiders, beetles, worms, salamanders, bluebirds, wood ducks, American kestrelsForests provide solace and quiet for peopleReviewDiscuss the connections between forests andThe atmosphereGlobal climateOther resources (soil, water,