Forest is a huge expanse covered with trees. There are different types of forests across the world. These have been categorized based on their types of soil, trees and other species of flora and fauna. A large part of earth is covered with forests.
The Origin of the Term – Forest
The term forest comes from the Old French word fores meaning vast land mainly dominated by trees and plants. It was introduced in English as a term that referred to wild land that people explored for hunting. It may or may not be occupied by trees. If this was the case, some people claimed that the term forest was derived from the Medieval Latin word foresta that meant open wood. This term in Medieval Latin was specifically used to address the king’s royal hunting grounds.
Different Layers in a Forest
A forest is composed of different layers that play their part in holding the place together. These layers have been termed as the Forest Floor, Understory, Canopy and Emergent layer. Among these, the Emergent layer exists only in the tropical rain forests. Here is a closer look at each of these layers:
Forest Floor
This layer comprises of decomposing leaves, dead plants, twigs and trees and animal droppings. The decaying of these things forms new soil and also provides the required nutrients to the plants.
Understory
This layer is composed of shrubs, bushes and trees that are used to grow and live in canopy’s shade. It is known to be devoid of enough sunlight.
Canopy
This is formed when a large number of branches, twigs and leaves of huge trees intertwine. These fully grown trees receive the maximum amount of sunlight and form a protective layer for the rest of the plants and trees in the forest. This is known to be the thickest layer. It restricts much of the rain from reaching the plants and trees it covers. Monkeys, frogs, sloths, snakes, lizards and different species of birds are known to live here.
Emergent Layer
This layer, that forms a part of the tropical rain forest, is composed of scattered tree branches and leaves that layer up above the canopy. The tallest of trees reach this place and form a part of this layer.
Conclusion
Forests are an essential part of the environment. However, unfortunately the human beings are cutting trees blindly to serve different purposes thereby disturbing the ecological balance. The need to save trees and forests must be taken more seriously.
