NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 12

Forests play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature and supporting countless life forms on Earth. They are often called the "green lungs" of our planet because they help purify the air and provide shelter to numerous animals, birds, and insects. 

In Class 7 Science Chapter 12, titled "Forests: Our Lifeline," students get to explore the importance of forests and how they contribute to the environment. This chapter helps learners understand the different layers of a forest, the role of decomposers, and the interdependence between plants, animals, and humans. 

The NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 12 provide easy-to-understand answers and explanations that help students grasp the key concepts thoroughly. By studying this chapter, students will learn why forests are essential for life on Earth and how we can contribute to their conservation.

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 12 PDF Download 

Students can strengthen their understanding of the concepts covered in Class 7 Science Chapter 12 – Forests: Our Lifeline by practicing the well-prepared NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 12. These solutions help students revise important topics and answer questions confidently in exams. 

After going through the chapter from the textbook, students can download the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 12 PDF for easy reference and revision anytime. Regular practice of these NCERT solutions for class 7 science chapter 12 question answer ensures better clarity and helps improve writing skills for science-related questions.

Class 7 Science Chapter 12 Important Topics

This chapter introduces students to the different components and importance of forests. Below are the key topics discussed:

• Canopy: This is the top layer of the forest, created by the thick branches and leaves of tall trees. It plays a vital role in regulating the amount of sunlight that reaches the forest floor.
• Crown: The crown refers to the branchy section of a tree that sits above the trunk. Different species of trees have unique crown shapes, which can influence the overall look of the forest.
• Understorey: Located just beneath the canopy, this layer is made up of shrubs and smaller trees that flourish in the limited sunlight.
• Decomposers: Tiny organisms like fungi and bacteria that break down dead plants and animals, helping in the recycling of nutrients back into the soil.
• Humus: The dark, nutrient-rich layer of soil formed due to the decomposition of organic matter like leaves and dead animals by decomposers.
• Seed Dispersal: This process helps in the spreading of seeds from one place to another with the help of wind, water, or animals, leading to the growth of new plants.
• Soil Erosion: Forests help prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place with their roots. The chapter explains how deforestation increases the risk of soil erosion.
• Deforestation: The cutting down of trees on a large scale is called deforestation. This chapter highlights the negative effects of deforestation on the environment, animals, and climate.
• Regeneration: Forests have a natural ability to regenerate. This means they can grow back and restore themselves if left undisturbed.

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 12 Question Answer

1. How do animals living in forests help forests to grow and renew themselves?
Answer: Animals play a big part in helping forests stay healthy and grow. Many animals, like birds and squirrels, carry seeds from one place to another, which helps new plants grow in different areas. Some animals drop seeds in their waste, which acts as a natural fertilizer. Also, when animals die, their bodies decompose and add nutrients to the soil, making it richer for plants to grow.

2. How do forests help in stopping floods?
Answer: Forests act like giant sponges. The roots of trees and plants hold the soil tightly, so when it rains, the soil does not get washed away. The leaves and branches slow down the rainwater, allowing it to soak into the ground instead of running off quickly. This helps prevent sudden floods and keeps rivers from overflowing.

3. What are decomposers? Name any two. What is their role in forests?

Decomposers are those small but mighty organisms that break down dead plants and animals into simpler substances. Two well-known examples of decomposers are fungi and bacteria. In the forest ecosystem, they play a crucial role by cleaning up dead matter and transforming it into nutrients that plants can absorb and use for growth.

4. How do forests keep the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air?

Forests are essential for maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and, through the process of photosynthesis, convert it into food. During this process, they release oxygen, which is vital for both animals and humans to breathe. This natural cycle ensures that the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air remain in harmony.

5. Why is there no waste in forests?
Answer: Forests are nature’s best recyclers. Everything that dies, like leaves, branches, or animals, is broken down by decomposers. The nutrients from this process go back into the soil and help new plants grow. So, nothing is wasted in a forest.

6. Name five things we get from forests.
Answer: Five useful things we get from forests are:

• Honey
• Wood
• Rubber
• Medicinal plants
• Natural oils

7. Why should we care about forests that are far away from us?
Answer: Forests, even those far from us, are important for everyone. They help keep the air clean, bring rain, and provide many things we use daily. If forests are destroyed, it can affect the weather, water supply, and the balance of nature everywhere, not just nearby.

8. Why do forests need many different kinds of plants and animals?
Answer: A forest is home to many living things. Every plant and animal plays a part in the ecosystem, and they all rely on one another for food and survival. If there are fewer types of plants or animals, the food chain can break, and the forest may not stay healthy. Diversity keeps the forest strong and balanced.

9. Which of the following is not obtained from forests?
(i) Gum
(ii) Plywood
(iii) Sealing wax
(iv) Kerosene
Answer: Kerosene doesn’t come from the forest; it’s actually derived from crude oil.

10. What is formed when microorganisms decompose dead plants?
(i) Sand
(ii) Mushrooms
(iii) Humus
(iv) Wood

Answer: (iii) Humus.
Humus is the rich, dark soil made when dead plants and animals are broken down by microorganisms.

Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 12 – Forests Our Lifeline

The NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 12 – Forests: Our Lifeline offer several learning advantages for students. 

• These solutions help in understanding key concepts like the role of forests, their structure, and their importance in the environment.
• By practicing these answers, students can improve their problem-solving skills, revise important points quickly, and prepare well for their exams.
• The solutions follow the latest NCERT syllabus, making them reliable for scoring good marks.
• Additionally, they help clarify doubts and strengthen the overall understanding of the chapter topics.