Old-growth forest

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/old-growth-forest

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 ecological function?Exhibit high efficiency in carbon sequestration compared to younger forests and plantations
2. Why are old-growth forests important for animals?They have lots of different places for animals to live, like high tree canopies, forest floors, and decaying wood. This variety lets many species, including rare ones, find food and shelter.
3. How do old-growth forests help keep the Earth cool?They store a lot of carbon in their trees and soil, which keeps it out of the air. This helps slow down global warming.

Primary forest: Naturally regenerated forests of native tree species with no visible signs of human activity and undisturbed ecological processes.
Structural complexity: The varied arrangement of trees, canopy layers, deadwood, and undergrowth within a forest ecosystem.
Ecosystem services: The benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems, such as clean air, water, and climate regulation.