Smart-Summary of UNIT # 4 : FOREST

According to UNO standards ,20 to 30% of the land area of a country must be covered by forest but
unfortunately pakistan has 4.8% area covered by forest.
Types of forest : there are 2 major kinds/types of forest ;
1- Productive forest
2- Protection forest

PODUCTIVE 1/3 PROTECTIVE 2/3

Naturally grown with canopy appearance Planted by humans with linear appearance
Great commercial value Less valuable
Provides timber Protect soil-erosion & environmental pollution
IMPORTANCE OF FOREST:
Environmental importance (check pollution by giving oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, prevent soil
erosion with roots holding soil against wind and water, check flooding, provides habitat for wildlife,
prevent siltation, stops land sliding) fruits, employment, raw materials for industries like paper
medicines, furniture, automobile, recreation tourism and scenic beauty, fuel wood, fodder.
DEFORESTATION: Cutting trees recklessly.
CAUSE OF DEFORESTATION: (human): Fuel, timber, urbanization, irrigation, infrastructure, overgrazing.
EFFECTS OF DEFORESTATION: ENV (Loss of habitat for wildlife, extinction of species, pollution).
SOIL: (Erosion, siltation, flooding, loss of crops) CLIMATE: (Global warming, reduction of rain, aridity)
SOLUTION FOR DEFORESTATION: Irrigation facilities, reserving land for fuel, media awareness; supply
alternate fuel, strict check and fine, fire protection, attract foreign investor, techniques of plantation on
mountains like terracing, contour ploughing and strip farming, recycling of paper.
SELECTIVE CUTTING: cutting of selected trees.
ADVANTAGES: Expensive, damage other trees by machines.
STEPS BY GOVERNMENT: Tarbella, Mangla watershed protection, Rachna Doab Aforestation program,
Baltistan Aforestation program, and plantation campaigns twice a year, forest department, forest
education (college in Peshawar), importing high quality seeds, forest protection laws, research
institutes.
FOREST PRODUCTS:
Major: timber fuel
Minor: rasin (fluid from chir for varnish), Mazri (mats basket), Ephedra (shrub for pharmaceutical
factories).
SUSTAINABILITY: manage resources in such a way that environment is not harmed and resources are
saved for the next generation.
STEPS FOR SUSTAINABILITY: Trees must not be cut down faster than the rate of their growth, each cut
down tree must be replaced by sapling from the nursery, and all deforested areas for human
development should be replaced in other places, awareness, strict law enforcement, recycling.
DETERMINANTS OF FOREST: Altitude (1000-4000 for Alpine, above 4000 for coniferous), aridity for
scrub forest and thorny forest, salty water and alluvium for Mangroves, type of soil.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOREST IN PAKISTAN:
TYPES AREAS PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION IMPORTANCE
Alpine Dir, Chitral, Kohistan Stunted growth, upward Fuel wood
branches, conical shape,
spreaded roots
Coniferous Northern areas KPK: Evergreen, conical shape, Timber, flooding,
 (Parachinar, Abbotabad, flexible branches, needle wildlife, tourism,
Swat) Rawalpindi, Bal leaves, tough bark, shallow scenic beauty, check
(Quetta, Kalat) roots siltation
Tropical Thorn Punjab and Sindh plain, Low height 6-10m, thorny Fuel wood
Forest (rakh) southern Balochistan hardwood, deep roots, scanty
vegetation
Scrub Forest Lower Himalayas, Broad leaf and Thorny species Fuel wood, grazing,
Sulaiman and Kirthar watershed protection
range, western
mountain, above Makran
coast
Mangrove Hub and Indus delta Broad leathery leaves with Firewood, fodder,
Forest drip tip, low height 6-8 in fresh flooding, furniture,
water and 3m general prop up boat, fish breeding
roots to secret salt, tough ground
bark, floating covered fruit
River Rain River Indus and its Linear plantation, high yield Shishum babul for
(bela) tributaries commercial value furniture
{human}
Irrigated Changa Manga , Planted in large blocks and Timber, firewood,
{human} Wanbachran, same species, (Shishum, shade
Chichawatni babul, eucalyptus)

Past Paper Questions from Unit # 4 : Forest :

Questions:
(c) Study Fig. 2 which is a map showing different forest types in Pakistan.
(i) In the Key, name the types of forest shown on the map. [2]
(ii) For one of the forest types you have named in (i):
• Describe the features of the forest.
• Explain the uses or purpose of the trees that grow there. [4]
Answers: (c) (i)

(ii)Forest type name: Mangroves

Description: The trees are generally 3-8 metres high. The leaves have broad, drip tips with
leathery structures. They are grown in wet lands and can easily survive in the salty water as
roots have filters for salt.
Explanation: The forest wood is used for fire. They are best breeding grounds for fish. Leaves
are food for fish and camels. Mangroves protect the coastal areas from tsunamis and erosions.
They are barriers to earthquakes and floods. Their wood can also be used for furniture.

Questions: (d)Study Photograph A:

(i) Name the type of forest shown. [1]
(ii) Suggest three reasons why these forests are being cut down. [3]
(iii) Explain the effects of this deforestation. [4]
(e) To what extent is it possible to save and even increase the area of forests in Pakistan?
Explain your answer. [6]
Answers:
(d) (i) Coniferous forests.
(ii) 1- For fuel or heating. 2- For making roads and houses. 3. Clearing the land for
farming.
(iii) Deforestation leads to soil erosion as there are no roots to hold the soil and it is exposed
which makes it to loose nutrients. There is siltation in the dams which reduces the capacity of storing
water. There is also loss of habitat as animals move away from the forests. Lack of trees leads to low
oxygen and increased carbon dioxide which is a cause of high temperature and low rainfall.
(e) The government can protect the forest area by making laws not to cut the trees and restrict the
logging companies for the use of bulldozers. Quota can be set to cut the trees. Selective cutting method
helps reduce deforestation. We can also use natural gas as fuel rather than the wood. The Afforestation
programme helps to grow more trees. If a tree is cut, a new tree or sapling must be planted. The animals
must be provided alternative grazing areas to save the fertility of soil to grow forests. The government
needs more finance. Mostly government is not interested in making policies. The forests are mostly cut
for housing, making roads and growing crops. Replacement or planting forest in another area is a long
term investment.

Questions: Study Fig. 7, a map of deforestation in Pakistan:

(i). Name the areas of deforestation A and B. [2]

(ii). Name the desert C. [1]
(iii). State three reasons why deforestation occurs in one of the areas shown on Fig. 7. [3]
(b). Study the article below from 'Dawn', November 4th, 2011.
 Pakistan has the highest annual deforestation rate in Asia. The forests only cover 2,5% of the
country's land. At the time of independence they covered 33%. If deforestation is not more strictly
controlled, the country will not be able to meet its commitment under the UN Development Goal. This
goal is to increase its forest cover to 6% by 2015.
(i). By how much has forest cover decreased since independence? [1]
(ii). By how much should it increase by 2015 to meet its commitment under the UN Development Goal?
(c). State and explain three effects of deforestation in mountainous areas. [6]
(d). Explain how forests can become a source of income for the people of rural areas. [4]
Answers:
(a). (i) A: Sulaiman kirthar range B: FATA - Safed koh (ii) C: Kharan desert
(iii) 1. Due to overgrazing of land. 2. Use of firewood.
3. Construction of roads, houses and industry.
(b) (i) 30.5% (ii) 3.5% (c) Effect: Soil erosion
Explanation: The top soil erodes taking away the humus which is good for plant growth, leaving it
barren. Effect: Siltation
Explanation: Silt blocks in dams reducing the capacity of storing water.
Effect: Flooding Explanation: Excessive water flows in the form of floods in the lowland
areas if there is deforestation in foot hills.
(d) Forests provide employment in the forest department. Wood for firewood can be extracted.
Herbs can be obtained by pharmaceutical industries. Furniture, toys and souvenirs can be made for sale.
Forests also attract tourism providing employment for tourist guides, transporters and resorts.

Questions: (a) Study Fig. 1 which shows a map of forest types in Pakistan.
 (i) Name the forest types found in each of the areas A, B and C. [3]
(ii) Name the sea D and the line of latitude E. [2]
(iii) Explain why the forest type A grows naturally in cool, hilly areas. [3]
(iv) Why is it important that forests by the coast are protected? [4]

(b) Study Fig. 2

 With reference to Fig. 2, explain how deforestation can cause soil erosion. [5]
(c) There has been development of forests in lowland areas of Punjab and Sindh using irrigation.
(i) Why is irrigation necessary for new plantations of trees? [2]
 (ii) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of developing more irrigated plantations of
trees in lowland areas of Punjab and Sindh. [6]
Answers:
(a) (i) A: Coniferous Forest B: Riveraine Forest C: Mangrove Forest
(ii) D: Arabian Sea E: 23— ° N latitude or Tropic of Cancer.
(iii) Coniferous forest grow in Northern Area of Pakistan, NWFP, Murree Hill and Baluchistan at
an altitude of over 1000 meters. Coniferous forest can tolerate low temperature with the help of thick
barks and can grow on thin soil. The branches of these trees (fir/ spruce, birch, larch) are sloping
downwards so that they can shed off the snow. Their needle like long leaves help to reduce the loss of
moisture. Their shallow roots absorb moisture easily from melting snow. Conical shapes of trees help to
survive in strong winds. With these characteristics the coniferous forest adapt to cold climate.
(iv) Mangrove Forests are found along the Coast of Indus River and Hab river Deltas. Mangrove
forests protect the coastal area from flooding caused by tropical storms and high tides. Mangrove
forests are breeding ground for fish. Roots of these forests offer shelter to young fish. These forests are
a source of wood for the local people for building houses and boats. These forests also offer shelter to
wild life specially the birds which migrate from Siberia during winter season. Therefore it is important to
protect the Mangrove forests and efforts should be made for its re-afforestation.
b) Deforestation means reckless cutting of trees and clearing the land of trees. When trees are cut
down the land is exposed and the upper fertile layer of soil is washed away by rain water. The rain water
runs off quickly on the bare soil and the water is not absorbed in the soil. No new plants grow on the
infertile lower soil layer which is left behind. The rain water form small channels which become deeper
and deeper with successive rains. The area present a dissected landscape. This removal of upper fertile
layer of soil is called soil erosion. Soil erosion makes the land unproductive.
(c) (i) Irrigated and planted forests have been grown in Punjab and Sindh. There is low rainfall
(less then 250mm in Sindh and south Punjab) which is not enough for normal forest growth. The rainfall
is unreliable and comes only during a brief Summer Monsoon period. There are long dry spells. Long dry
spells and high rate of evapotranspiration due to high temperature prevent the growth of forests.
Therefore irrigation becomes necessary for survival and healthy growth of trees.
(ii) The advantages of irrigated or planted forests.Irrigated forests supply timber for house
building and furniture making. These forests also supply firewood.Forests check air pollution by adding
oxygen to the air. Forests reduce summer temperature and add to the rainfall. Forests add to the scenic
beauty of the land.Forests provide recreation and picnic spots and attract tourists.Forests provide
habitat for wildlife and also give employment to people.
Disadvantages are that the land given to forest development goes out of cultivation.
Developing an irrigated forest needs a large investment and there is no quick return because trees grow
very slowly.
Questions:
(c)(i) Name one type of tree grown on plantations in Pakistan. [1]
(ii) Describe three physical factors which influence the distribution of forests. [3]
Answers:
(c) (i) Shisham / Fir / Eucalyptus
(ii) 1. Distribution of rainfall leads to less or more crop yield.
2. Cold and warm temperatures effect the forest growth.
3. Alluvial soils are required for growth of trees in abundance.
Questions:
(b)(i) Study Photograph A. Identify the type of forest vegetation shown in the photograph. [1]
(ii). Study Fig. 8 which gives information about different types of forested area in Pakistan.

Describe one main change in forested area over the period shown. [1]
(iii)State the main difference between natural forest and plantations. [1]
(iv)In 2014 about 4.2% of the land area of Pakistan was covered in forest. Explain why more forests need
to be planted in the Indus Plain. [5]
Answers:
(b) (i) Sub-Tropical dry forest.
(ii) Over all the natural forest has decreased.
 (iii) Natural forests are not planted by man but plantations are man made.
(iv) Pakistan has the lowest proportion of forested land 4.8%. To meet the targets we need 25% of
forested land. We need to plant more trees and have irrigated forests. It will then meet the needs of
future generations. Population increase requires more wood for fir, furniture timber, medicinal herbs
etc. We thereby need conserving of forests, Afforestation programmes need to start. Industries also
need wood for their products. We must therefore make strict rules to plant a new sapling after cutting a
tree to sustain our forests.
Questions:
(c) Study Photographs A and B, which show typical scenes of deforestation.
(i). State one use of timber from forests that have been cut down. [1]
(ii). Using the photographs and your own knowledge, describe the effects of deforestation on the
natural environment. [4]

(d)Pakistan is rapidly losing its trees. Over the period 2000-2007 the country's forests decreased at a
rate of 2.2% per year, the ninth highest rate among the world's nations.
Q. What actions can be taken to reduce deforestation? To what extent are these actions possible in
Pakistan? [6]

Answers:
(c) (i) Furniture making.
(ii) Deforestation is a major cause of flooding in the lowlands. The surface run off leads the soil to
be wasted away into the rivers. Silt from the mountains flow directly to the dams reducing the capacity
for storage of water. Lack of forests therefore leads to less transpiration and low rainfall. Deforestation
leads to the loss of habitat which can also result in loss of species of animals etc.
(d) Afforestation programmes must be started. Sustainable forestry will be a great help as Selective
cutting methods are used and whenever a tree is cut/ a new plant is placed. If a forest is cleared for
housing, roads or industry other areas must be planted as forest as a replacement. Cutting of wood for
fuel also causes deforestation, alternative fuel resources as natural gas, CNG & LPG can be used.
Government's forestry department must take action on illegal logging and provide licences and fix
quotas for logging companies, the use of bulldozers must be restricted. Government has started the
Afforestation projects as Rachna Doab, Tarbela / Mangla water shed project, Baltistan 1995 project and
Agha Khan (AKRSP) programme planting 830000 trees. National parks can help and NGO's must play
their role to restrict deforestation. There are certain problems faced in planting forests as there is a high
cost of managing these projects. The use of wood increases with the demand of increasing population in
the mountain areas as they need it for cooking and heating purposes, Government must have it as
priority to plant trees which will also improve the climatic conditions.
Questions:
(a) Study Photograph A, B and C (Insert):
(i) Name the forest types A, B and C and locate each type of forest by writing the correct letter in each
area shown on the map below (Fig. 1). [4]
(ii) Describe the appearance of the forest shown in Photograph C. [3]
(iii) Explain the importance of the forest in Photograph B to fishermen and fishing villages. 3]
(iv) Why does the forest in Photograph A appear to be in an area of afforestation? [3]
(b). (i) State two effects of deforestation in mountain areas. [2]
(ii) Explain how one of these could be controlled. [4]
(c) CRAFTS TOURISM CLIMATE SOILS
With reference to two of the above, explain how trees can be a valuable resource for the people who
live in mountain areas. [6]
Answers:
(a) (i) A: Coniferous / Alpine forest B: Mangrove forest. C: Tropical thorn or
Riverine or Irrigated forest.

(ii) The trees found in the forest are green and healthy. It is a dense forest, having a close
canopy. The species are grown naturally as productive forest There are trees with broad leaves and of
different heights. Species are mostly same. They are mostly to provide shade. The land is bare of green
grass.
(iii) The mangrove forests are important because these are breeding ground for fish and
shrimps. They provide the employment opportunities. The forest is a hindrance for floods, storms &
Tsunamis. The wood is used for extracting timber, making houses & boats. The camels feed on the
leaves. Villagers use it as fire wood.
(iv) The area shown in the photograph is evenly distributed. The trees are grown in a linear
pattern, in blocks. They are of same species and same heights in a block. This shows that a deforested
area has been afforested.
(b) (i) 1. Soil erosion/surface runoff leaving infertile land.
2. Climatic change, as higher temperature, less rainfall, floods, siltation in dams.
(ii) The soil erosion can be controlled by afforestation to hold back the soil. It can be done by
terracing, contour ploughing, strip farming or selective cutting. Floods can also be controlled by growing
trees, making embankments and reservoirs of dams to store water. Strict laws must be enforced for
cutting of trees,
(c) CRAFTS: Employment opportunities can be provided in craft industry. Locals can earn a lot to
improve their living standard. Use of local raw material to increase exports to earn foreign exchange.
Provides souvenirs for tourists.
TOURISM: It provides scenic beauty which attracts tourists to earn foreign exchange to be spent on
different projects and development of the area. The shade could be provided. Nature study,
photography can be done. People can go on picnic to enjoy.
CLIMATE: Due to the forests, transpiration is increased which helps to bring more rain. Humidity is also
increased. They help to lower the temperature. They provide more oxygen and fresh air and helps to
reduce air pollution.
SOILS: Humus is formed due to the leaf fall. It helps to increase fertility of the soil. It helps to grow a
large crop. The trees hold back soil and control soil erosion. It helps to prevent flooding.

(b) (i) State two reasons why deforestation has occurred in the Northern Mountains. [2]

Ans: Road / rail building;

Demand for firewood / fuel;
To graze / feed livestock;
Build houses / settlements / hotels;
Industry / furniture / timber / paper;
Develop hydel power / power stations / building reservoirs.

(ii) Explain two impacts of deforestation in the Northern Mountains on the natural
environment. You should develop your answer. [4] (oct-19)

Ans : Soil erosion; due to minerals being leached (washed) through the soil / soil blown away / soil
washed away downhill (dev);
Increased number of landslides; because no roots to hold the soil together / in place / rain saturates soil
and washes it downslope (dev);
Habitats lost; means species are endangered / at risk of extinction / land barren (dev);
Ecosystems destroyed; food-chains are broken / disrupted / animals forced to move to other areas /
animals or species die (dev);
Soil washed into rivers; raises the water level of rivers / causes more flooding / causes siltation (dev);
No trees to stop flow of water or run off; leads to flooding / increased run off (dev);
Patches of salt left behind; leads to infertile land (dev);
Evaporation reduced; changes to rainfall pattern (dev); Etc.

(c) Reducing the impacts of deforestation is more achievable in the northern regions than in other
areas of Pakistan.

To what extent can the problems caused by deforestation in the northern regions of Pakistan be solved?
Give reasons to support your judgement and refer to examples you have studied. You should consider
different points of view in your answer. [6] …….. (oct-19)

Ways of reducing impact of deforestation

Soil can be more readily protected from erosion in the Northern areas than other areas due to the
wetter climate / afforestation on steeper slopes / hedgerows planted / strip cultivation / contour
ploughing / terracing on steep slopes;
Supplying irrigation facilities to the deforested areas;
Planting commercial species of trees which grow rapidly;
Reserving land for fuel wood plantation only, saving valuable species of trees;
Education amongst the people about the importance of trees;
Creation of non-governmental agencies to promote afforestation and campaign against
deforestation;
Supply natural gas to Northern Regions to ease the pressure on trees for fuelwood;
Improved techniques of raising nurseries and planting trees so deforested areas can be regenerated
in a shorter time;
Ensuring that forestry and forest management is more sustainable, e.g.
use of selective logging / restricting use of bulldozers / strict enforcement of forest laws /
enforcement of village / farm forestry programmes / urban forestry programmes;
Planting fruit trees on the slopes of hills to provide food for the local people; Etc.

Acceptable alternative approaches include: arguing that the impacts can be reduced in other areas more
easily due to greater accessibility and availability of named resources, etc.
Q2 (a) (i) Study Fig. 2.1, a map showing forest types in Pakistan. (June-2018)
 Key:
alpine international boundary

A province-level boundary
JAMMU &
B disputed boundary KASHMIR
disputed territory
C

mangroves

0 100 200 300

Arabian Sea
km

Fig. 2.1

Name the forest types shown at A, B and C: [3] (June-2018)

Ans: Forest type A – Coniferous;

Forest type B – Subtropical scrub / subtropical dry / subtropical thorn / dry thorn scrub;
Forest type C – Tropical thorn / rakh.

ii- Using Fig. 2.1, name two areas in Pakistan where mangroves grow. [2] (June-2018)

Ans: Coastal areas of Sindh / Indus Delta;

Coastal areas of Balochistan / Sonmiani Bay;

Along the coastline of / near the Arabian Sea.

Hub Delta where river Hub falls into Arabian Sea.

iii- (i) Describe two natural characteristics of mangrove forests. [2] (June-2018)
Ans: Broad / big leaves / leaves have drip tips;

Leaves are leathery / have reduced number of stomata;

Low trees and shrubs;

Height 3–8 m;

Can survive in salty water;

Roots filter salt / have aerial roots / have prop roots / roots stick up out of water;

Prefer clean / unpolluted water.

a. Describe two functions of forests. [2] (June-2018)

Ans: Protect soil from erosion / being blown away;

Lower the temperature / provide shade / create a more pleasant environment;
Provide humus to fertilise the soil;
Provide raw materials / named example, e.g. timber (for industry) / furniture / medicines / firewood;
Many jobs depend on forests / examples of jobs;
Recreational value / promote tourism / provide scenic beauty;
Prevent floods;
Take in CO2 / release O2;
Provide habitat for wildlife;
Increase / encourage rainfall / create transpiration; Help with desalination (Eucalyptus trees).
Mangroves provide hatching and breeding spots to fish and their cage/web type roots provide shelter to
smaller fish against the attacks of the bigger fish.

b. Suggest three physical factors which determine the type and density of forests. [3]
(June-2018)

Ans: Altitude, e.g. high altitude = fir / spruce / alpine;

Precipitation, e.g. dry areas = thorny bushes / scrub;
Precipitation, e.g. high precipitation = coniferous / evergreen forests;
Soil type / edaphic factors, e.g. salty areas = mangroves / fertile soil = high density;
Temperature, e.g. low / cold = alpine;
Temperature, e.g. high / hot / warm = tropical scrub;
Presence of rivers = riverain / bela;
Presence of oases = individual trees / palms.

(i) Study Fig. 2.2, which shows a coniferous tree. (June-2018)

Fig. 2.2
Explain how this type of tree has adapted to the climatic conditions it grows in. You should develop
your answer. [4] (June-2018)

Ans: Ideas showing how the tree has adapted to the climate such as:
Evergreen – no need to renew leaves / short growing season;
Compact conical shape – stabilises the tree in windy conditions / releases snow / prevents snow
accumulation;
Needles instead of leaves – reduces moisture loss;
Tall / straight trunk – in order to grow straight towards sunlight;
Cones – protect seeds during cold months;
Downward pointing branches – allows snow to easily fall off;
Shallow root system – as soils are thin / subsoil is frozen for most of the year;
Long / wide spreading roots – helps to anchor the tree against strong winds;
Thick bark – protects from cold winds. Etc.

Note: One mark for identification of appropriate idea and a further mark for development (in
parentheses)……Max. 2 marks if no development.

(ii) State three causes of deforestation in Pakistan. [3] (June-2018)

Ans: For farming / agriculture / growing crops / irrigation;
Urbanisation / growth of settlements;
Construction of roads / railways;
Industrialisation / growth / spread of industries;
Use of wood in industry / to sell / examples of use of wood, e.g. timber / furniture;
Mining / extraction of raw materials;
For fuel wood / cooking / heating;
Overgrazing causes more trees to be cleared for cattle;
Fire; Flooding; Reservoirs for dams.
(d) Around 5 per cent of the land area of Pakistan is forested. To meet sustainable development
targets the amount of land covered by forest needs to increase to 25 per cent by 2030. Read
the following two views about possible uses of land in Pakistan:

A: Increased forest cover is an important use of land for the future development of Pakistan.

B: There are more important uses of land for the future development of Pakistan than increased
forest cover.

Which view do you agree with more? Give reasons to support your answer and refer to examples you
have studied. You should consider View A and View B in your answer. [6] June-2018

Ans:
Importance of forests
Protect against soil erosion important for the future of agriculture;
Protect areas against flooding important for settlements and industry;
A valuable resource for industry;
Without forests other industries / example(s) of industries will not succeed;
Help to regulate the climate / carbon sink;
Mangroves protect against tropical cyclones / without mangroves industry and housing can be lost;
Development of tourism / ecotourism / sustainable tourism.

Importance of other uses of land

Needs to be used for developing industry / land too valuable for growing trees;
Land is limited;
Growing population needs new settlements / construction of settlements; More food needs to be grown
for growing population and for export; Trees take a long time to grow so have to wait for a capital return
on them; For named infrastructure development, e.g. roads / electricity grid. Etc.