What is a forest?An area with a high density of trees is a forest. It is the habitat of a variety of living beings. Many plants, animals and microorganisms live in the forest. Let's study further what does forest mean as a habitat? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay Forests provide fresh water, food, and shelter or “habitats” from the forest floor to the tops of the highest trees. It is considered a habitat for plants and animals as it provides them with a suitable environment. For example, neem, sheesham, palash, elephant, tiger, porcupine, jackal, etc. The ground under the tree in the forest constitutes the forest floor. It consists of a root, soil, decomposers and decaying organic matter. The long, woody trees of the forest also provide shelter for different types of vines and climbers. Animals are particular about their habitats. They need all the variety that a healthy forest offers to survive. As the Earth's climate changes, many species migrate in search of new habitats. These animals, if they move, depend on connected forest landscapes to move from one place to another. As human populations and demand for resources increase, this leads to deforestation and forest habitats suffer. With every acre of forest lost to development or industrial timber harvesting, wildlife habitats shrink and disintegrate. Around three hundred million people worldwide live in forests and 1.6 billion depend on forest products for their livelihoods. Forests are home to 80% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity. Many species cannot live anywhere else and absolutely need forest habitat. This need is often specific, for example when a bird species requires a particular type of forest, in terms of tree species, age and other conditions. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized document from our expert writers now. Get a Custom EssayIn general, forests provide the critical habitat for most species of plants, animals, and microorganisms on Earth. This is particularly the case in tropical rainforests. It is now observed that the forest area is decreasing with the conversion of tropical forest into agricultural land and as a result the environment is being seriously affected in terms of loss of biodiversity..