OZONE DEPLETION-5

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

OZONE DEPLETION-5

1. Deciduous Forests

Deciduous forests are forests in which trees shed their leaves during a particular season, usually the dry season or winter, to conserve water. These forests occur in regions with moderate rainfall ranging from 70 to 200 cm annually. They are widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions. Deciduous forests are less dense than evergreen forests and allow sunlight to reach the ground, supporting grasses and shrubs. Common tree species include teak, sal, oak, maple, and beech. These forests are economically important because they provide high-quality timber, fuelwood, medicinal plants, and habitat for numerous wildlife species.

2. Tropical Deciduous Forests

Tropical Deciduous Forests, also called Monsoon Forests, are found in tropical regions experiencing distinct wet and dry seasons. Trees shed their leaves during the dry season to reduce water loss. These forests receive 70–200 cm of annual rainfall and are extensively found in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Brazil, and northern Australia. Major tree species include teak, sal, bamboo, sandalwood, mahua, and shisham. Tropical deciduous forests support rich biodiversity and are the most commercially important forests due to their valuable timber. They also protect soil, regulate water flow, and support local livelihoods through forest products.

3. Temperate Deciduous Forests

Temperate Deciduous Forests occur in regions with four distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Trees lose their leaves during autumn to survive cold winters and regrow them in spring. These forests are found in Western Europe, Eastern North America, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. Common tree species include oak, maple, beech, birch, and ash. Animals such as deer, foxes, wolves, squirrels, and bears inhabit these forests. Temperate deciduous forests maintain ecological balance, improve soil fertility through leaf litter, and provide timber, recreation, and wildlife habitat.

4. Rain Forests

Rain forests are dense forests found in areas receiving very high annual rainfall, usually above 200 cm, along with consistently warm temperatures. These forests have multiple layers of vegetation, creating habitats for a vast variety of plants and animals. Rain forests contain the highest biodiversity among all terrestrial ecosystems and are home to many endemic species. They act as major carbon sinks by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide, helping regulate Earth's climate. Rain forests also maintain the global water cycle, influence rainfall patterns, prevent soil erosion, and provide food, medicines, timber, and livelihoods for indigenous communities.

5. Grasslands