Forest genetic resources

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/forest-genetic-resources

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the geographic distribution?Ubiquitous across all terrestrial biomes supporting forest ecosystems
2. What is the ecological role?Underpins biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and adaptive capacity
3. Why are forest genetic resources important?They give forests the ability to adapt to changes, keep ecosystems healthy, and provide the variety of life we see. Without this diversity, forests would be weaker and less able to survive surprises.
4. How do forest genetic resources help people?They give us useful trees for building homes, fuel, and paper. They also produce fruits, nuts, medicine, and other products that help families eat, earn money, and keep cultural traditions alive.

Allele: One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.
In Situ Conservation: The conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings.
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): All biological material other than industrial timber that can be harvested from forest ecosystems for use or sale.
Ex Situ Conservation: The conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats, such as in genebanks or botanical gardens.