313.T1 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Importance of Plants to Man Plants are important to people because they: provide oxygen to animals. are a source of food. provide fiber which is used for fabric. provide shelter, roofing, and building materials. produce by-products such as dyes, decorative bark. may be used to alter the local environment. produce medicinal chemicals.

313.T2 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Importance of Plants to Man Ways in which Plants Alter their Environments Shade. Windbreaks. Erosion control. Noise control. Reduction of glare. Beautification. Production of nitrogen in legumes. Act as settling chambers for pollutants.

313.T3 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Importance of Plants to Man Shade Reduces loss of soil moisture by cooling the soil. Reduces local air temperature.

313.T4 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Importance of Plants to Man Windbreaks Reduce soil moisture loss by reducing evapo-transpiration. Warm areas in cool weather by reducing the wind chill factor. Prevent soil erosion.

313.T5 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Importance of Plants to Man Erosion Control Roots capture soil particles as they wash across the surface of the ground. Leaves capture and slow rain water so soil particles are not so easily dislodged.

313.T6 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Importance of Plants to Man Noise Control Plants block sound waves from noisy streets, railroads, or buildings.

313.T7 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Importance of Plants to Man Reduction of Glare Plants absorb and soften sunlight. Plants shade areas to reduce glare from sidewalks, streets, and buildings.

313.T8 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Importance of Plants to Man Beautification Plants help to make areas more attractive.

313.T9 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Importance of Plants to Man Production of Nitrogen in the Soil Soil micro-organisms coexist with legumes to make nitrogen for the host plant, as well as other nearby plants.

313.T10 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Importance of Plants to Man Plants Act as Settling Chambers Plants absorb particulate pollution (pollution which is in particles) and hold them within themselves.