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Long before mammalian life evolved, plants had made a dramatic impact on the Earth. The early atmosphere was rich in carbon dioxide and methane. Through photosynthesis over millions of years, plants reduced the proportions of those gases, converting them to oxygen and storing the carbon in their own stems and leaves. When these plants died they were buried by sediment and formed oil, coal and gas.
Mankind evolved in an environment with large forest areas which were richly supportive. The trees and plants provided fruits, nuts, leaves and roots. The forests provided a habitat for insects and animals – a small part of early man’s diet. The trees also provided natural shelter from the elements.
But most valuable of all was wood. Wood is hard and light and can be worked into almost any shape. It was also plentiful and an ideal material for tools and building. Wood also burned – giving fuel for cooking and heating. This was an important development – it meant that man didn’t have to eat as much and he could also survive in cooler, otherwise uninhabitable areas. |