Unfortunately, today not everyone remembers that living trees are an integral part of our ecosystem. Once they disappear, and the familiar world will collapse, leaving behind only a handful of ash. Perhaps some will say that such a statement is too pessimistic, and that today scientists can find a way out even of such a difficult situation.
However, in reality, such people do not understand how valuable an ordinary tree can be. Wildlife simply can not exist without these amazing representatives of the flora, and humanity - even more so. And in order to prove this, let's talk about exactly what role trees play in the life of our planet.
What is a tree?
So, any tree is a living organism. It seems that every person on the planet knows how it looks. The basis of everything is a woody trunk, on which hundreds, or even thousands of branches are placed. They connect this giant with the outside world through the leaves or needles growing on them. However, the roots should be considered the heart of the tree, because it is they who draw strength from the earth, and also keep it in balance.
Today in the world there are about 100,000 species of trees. But at the same time, they can all be divided into several simple classes. For example, coniferous and deciduous, evergreen and deciduous. But let’s leave the classification to scientists, we’ll talk better about the benefits that living trees bring to the planet.
Trees as an integral part of the ecosystem
It so happened that trees are one of the oldest inhabitants of the Earth. They appeared here long before the first people and survived more than a dozen global disasters. During this time, they managed to create a strong symbiosis with the inhabitants of the planet, which often makes itself felt.
For example, most animals are used to living in the forest. For them it is a natural environment, their home. One has only to start cutting down trees in the forest, and the animals will immediately leave these lands. After all, they simply will not be able to survive in such conditions, since the deciduous giants gave them shelter and food.
Or take, for example, tree branches. Everyone knows that it is on them that birds make nests and spend most of their time. Again, chop off the branches - and the birds will be forced to look for a new shelter. Naturally, some will succeed. However, there will be those who cannot overcome millions of years of evolution and will surely die in their search.
What the planet breathes
Oxygen is the basis of life. If he does not, then the days of mankind will be numbered. Moreover, even a slight decrease in the level of oxygen in the atmosphere can lead to tragic consequences. In particular, cause a significant increase in temperature, which will lead to natural disasters.
All living trees give off oxygen. Therefore, they are those air generators that are so necessary for life on Earth. Because of this, forests are often called the lungs of the planet. In addition, trees absorb carbon dioxide, which is a powerful toxin. So, if they do not, then there will be no one to clean the air of this poison. Therefore, the more trees grow on the planet, the more freely people can breathe.
Tree as a source of food
For many animals, the forest is the main source of food. So, some animals bend tree branches and eat leaves from them. For others it is more pleasant to collect fruits or cones that have fallen to the ground. For example, acorns are the favorite wild boar food, but the beaver doesn’t mind eating plain wood.
Man also learned to use the gifts of nature for his own good. Thanks to his efforts, today there are more than one thousand orchards. At the same time, the variety of fruits that they bring directly excites the imagination. Take, for example, the same mangoes or dates that have long been considered one of the best delicacies.
Also, do not forget that some fruits are used not only as food, but also as components for the preparation of other dishes. Here is even an ordinary olive tree: on the basis of its fruits, people have learned how to make refined oil and mayonnaise.
Beautiful trees as part of the city landscape
Alas, for most residents of the metropolis, a trip to the forest is an incredible dream. Due to the busy schedule, only a few can get out into the nature, and then not for long. Given this, it is not surprising that humanity seeks to recreate a kind of forest in their cities.
Nice parks, decorative alleys and squares - all these are small particles of wildlife. It would seem that there is nothing unusual in them, but it is worth removing the beautiful trees from our streets, and the city will become dark and deserted. Agree, few people like this picture and will quickly lead to deep depression.
And besides, trees are a good filter. Converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, they clean the streets of the metropolis from the harmful smell and fumes. And the leaves absorb dust, so that it ceases to soar in the air.
Guard trees
Sometimes trees are compared with silent guards, and there is a worthy explanation for this. The thing is that they are able to protect the land on which they grow. And this happens as follows.
Firstly, the roots of the trees fasten the soil, making it more durable and solid. Under normal conditions, this is of little use, but if we are talking about coastal zones, then everything changes dramatically. So, the soil bound by roots is not so much washed away by water, so that the coast becomes more stable.
Secondly, all living trees are able to protect the earth from wind erosion. Like a stone wall, one by one they take on the blows of air gusts and even hurricanes. That is why today it is customary to plant trees around the entire perimeter of a field or garden.
Aesthetic benefits of trees
Do not forget about the aesthetic function of trees. Many writers and poets sought inspiration in the lap of nature, looking at the enchanting outlines of the forest. And how many wonderful poems were devoted to evergreen thuja or exotic palm trees! Not to mention how many paintings the artists depicted an unusually tall tree or the same taiga forest. Shishkin cloths are generally a separate topic for conversation ...
In addition, recent studies by psychologists indicate that being in nature significantly improves the emotional background. It is enough to get out into the forest 2-3 times a month, and the chance to fall into depression will decrease several times. You must admit that such a method is much cheaper and more pleasant than taking pills or going to the same psychologists.
Trees as a raw material for production
In addition to all of the above, trees are also used in various industries. For example, from time immemorial people use wood in the construction of various structures. Even today there is no such building that does not use wood or its by-products.
But that is not all. Thanks to progress, man has learned to use the gifts of nature in creating new, previously unprecedented materials. For example, one of the first such discoveries was the appearance of paper. And she, in turn, contributed to the development of writing, and subsequently the literacy of the population.
Also, thanks to the resin secreted by the rubber tree, mankind has invented rubber. We think you should not talk about how this simplified the lives of people. For example, imagine what would happen to cars if they were deprived of rubber tires.
And there are a great many such examples. However, they all testify to the same thing: trees are one of the most valuable natural resources on the planet.
Do not forget the main thing!
Despite the importance of forests, many today neglect them. Every year, people cut down thousands of hectares of forests without thinking about the consequences. But they can soon make themselves felt. And then not only commercial organizations will suffer, but the entire population of the Earth.
However, we can influence this process. It is enough to just start taking care of nature and not forget that we are part of it. And the changes will begin to manifest on their own, changing this world for the better.