Living trees. Significance in nature and human life

Unfortunately, today not everyone remembers that living trees are an integral part of our ecosystem. It is necessary for them to disappear, and the world we are familiar with will collapse, leaving only a handful of ashes. Perhaps some will say that such a statement is too pessimistic, and that today scientists will be able to find a way out even from 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 the role of trees 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 what it looks like. The basis of all is the stiff trunk, on which are placed hundreds, and even thousands of branches. They connect this giant with the surrounding world through the leaves or needles growing on them. However, the heart of the tree should be considered roots, because they draw strength from the ground, and also keep it in balance.

To date, the world has about 100,000 species of trees. But they can all be divided into several simple classes. For example, coniferous and deciduous, evergreen and deciduous. But let's leave the classification to the scientist, let's talk better about the benefits that living trees bring to the planet.

Trees as an integral part of the ecosystem

It so happened that the trees are one of the oldest inhabitants of the Earth. They appeared here long before the first people and experienced not one dozen global cataclysms. 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 accustomed to dwell in the forest. For them, this is the natural environment, their home. It is only necessary to start cutting trees in the forest, and the animals will immediately leave from these lands. After all, they simply can not survive in such conditions, because the deciduous giants gave them shelter and food.

Or take, for example, tree branches. Everyone knows that it is on them that birds build nests and spend most of their time. Again, chop off the branches - and the feathered will be forced to seek a new shelter. Naturally, some will succeed. However, there will be those who can not overcome millions of years of evolution and will surely die in their search.

What the planet breathes

Oxygen is the basis of life. If it does not, 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. Consequently, 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 strong toxin. So, if they do not become, then there will be no one to purify the air of this poison. Therefore, the more trees grow on the planet, the freer people can breathe.

Tree as a food source

For many animals, the forest is the main source of food. Thus, some animals bend branches of trees and eat leaves from them. Another is more pleasant to collect fallen on the ground fruit or bumps. For example, the wild boar's favorite food is acorns, but the beaver does not at all like to eat simple wood.

Man also learned to use the gifts of nature for himself for good. Thanks to his efforts today there is not one thousand orchards. In this case, the variety of fruits that they bring, directly still excites the imagination. Take, for example, the same mangoes or dates, which 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 ingredients for cooking other dishes. Here is at least an ordinary olive tree: on the basis of its fruits, people have learned to make refined oil and mayonnaise.

Beautiful trees as part of the city's landscape

Alas, for most residents of the megalopolis, a trip to the forest is a far-off dream. Because of the busy schedule of work, only a few can get out into the countryside, and then for a little while. Given this, it is not surprising that humanity seeks to recreate some kind of forest in its cities.

Lovely parks, decorative alleys and squares are all 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, such a picture is not enough for anyone and will quickly lead to a deep depression.

And besides, trees are a good filter. By converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, they clean the streets of the metropolis from malicious smell and fumes. And the leaves absorb the dust, so it ceases to fly in the air.

Trees defenders

Sometimes trees are compared to silent guards, and there is a worthy explanation. The thing is that they are able to protect the land they grow on. And it happens as follows.

First, the roots of trees fasten the soil, making it more solid and solid. Under normal conditions, this is of little use, but if it is a question of coastal zones, then everything changes radically. So, the ground-fastened soil is not so much washed away by water, so that the shore becomes more stable.

Secondly, all living trees are able to protect the earth from wind erosion. Like a stone wall, they one by one take on themselves the blows of air rushes and even hurricanes. That is why it is now customary to plant trees around the perimeter of the field or the garden.

Aesthetic use of trees

Do not forget about the aesthetic function of trees. Many writers and poets sought inspiration in the bosom of nature, looking at the enchanting outlines of the forest. And how many wonderful poems were dedicated to evergreen thuja or exotic palm trees! Not to mention how many artists depicted an unusually tall tree or the same taiga forest in how many paintings. Shishkin's paintings are generally a separate topic for conversation ...

In addition, recent studies by psychologists indicate that staying in nature significantly improves the emotional background. It is enough 2-3 times a month to get out into the forest, and the chance to fall into depression will decrease several times. Agree, this method is much cheaper and more pleasant than taking pills or going to the same psychologists.

Trees as raw materials 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 in which a tree or its by-products are not used.

But that's 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 it, in turn, contributed to the development of writing, and subsequently the literacy of the population.

Also, thanks to the resin released by the rubber tree, humanity invented rubber. We think, it is not necessary to tell about how much it simplified the life of people. For example, imagine what would happen to cars if they were deprived of rubber tires.

And there are a lot of similar examples. However, all of them bear witness to the same thing: trees are one of the most valuable natural resources on the planet.

Do not forget about the main thing!

Despite the importance of forests, many today neglect them. Every year people cut down thousands of hectares of forest, 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 only to start taking care of nature carefully and not forgetting that we are a part of it. And changes will begin to manifest themselves, changing this world for the better.