Plants, animals and humans depend on each other for existence. Plants provide the oxygen for animals and humans to breathe in and we provide the carbon dioxide in
turn for them. They also provide food to consume and shelter. Unlike human beings over the years have found new ways to artificially produce air, food and
shelter with the help of science and technology, animals rely wholly and solely on plants for survival.
Shelter: Trees provide shelter and food for a variety of birds and small animals, such as squirrels and beavers. Enhancing growth diversity, trees create an
environment that allows the growth of plants that otherwise would not be there.
For example:
Flowers, fruits, leaves, buds and woody parts of trees are used by many different species. Bacteria and fungi contained in tree parts cause decay which makes
nesting easier for some birds and increases soil fertility and structure for furrowing by other land animals.
Did You Know?
1. Even dead trees, provide habitat for a number of different species.
2. Tree frogs and beetles live under a dead tree’s bark.
3. Woodpeckers and other birds feed on the insects that live in snags.
4 .Chickadees nest in cavities created by woodpeckers.
5. Squirrels and deer mice store food in them.
Air: Animals need oxygen to live. The oxygen that animals breathe comes from plants. Through photosynthesis, plants take energy from the sun, carbon dioxide
from the air, and water and minerals from the soil. They then give off water and oxygen. Animals then use oxygen process called respiration.
Survival: When animals die they decompose and become natural fertilizer plants. Plants depend on animals for nutrients, pollination and seed dispersal.
Plants are also useful for animal home because many animals live around plants.
Trees also provide shade, reduce water and air temperatures and contribute to the overall health of aquatic ecosystems by providing habitat, shelter and food for
aquatic species such as turtles, otters, beavers and fish.