Question

What is/are the likely consequences of deforestation?
A. Carbon dioxide in the air increases.
B. Destruction of habitats takes place.
C. Mineral salts in the soil are washed away.
D. All of the above.

Answer 1

Deforestation means cutting of trees on a huge scale. The eradication of green life on a large scale will devoid humans of the benefits obtained by them, both economically and environmentally.

Complete step-by-step answer: Deforestation refers to the mass cutting of trees in large numbers causing clearance of forests. Deforestation is the major cause of global warming. Trees are the treasure for all of the wildlife that sustains in an ecosystem. They provide oxygen, use excess carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, utilize the decomposed matter for their growth, provide animals with shelter and nutrition, and many more beneficial things. As the human populations are growing at a faster rate now than ever, the demand for food and shelter has also increased rapidly. So, to meet all these criteria people are cutting more and more trees for their uses without planting any for future generations to use.
Option A is the correct consequence of deforestation. Because trees utilize more than fifty percent atmospheric carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is considered one of the greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gases stay entrapped in Earth’s atmosphere and cause its temperature to rise more than normal causing global warming.
Option B is the destruction of habitats that takes place because of deforestation. It is true as many bird and reptile species like snakes, and primate species use trees as their habitats. If trees are cut in more numbers these animals will eventually lose their homes and will become shelter-less and may be subjected to extinction.
Option C is mineral salts in the soil wash away. It is also correct as the roots of the trees act as a binder for the soil and hold it in place preventing soil erosion and excess sedimentation in rivers. If deforestation happens it will cause the soil to wash away at rapid rates with essential mineral salts in it. Moreover, this situation increases the threat of floods that will also cause mineral salts loss in soil.
Option D is all of the above. This is the correct option as it includes all of the given options as consequences of deforestation.
Thus, option D is correct.

Note: Deforestation is an ever-increasing human activity which is leading to a dangerously increased level of global warming. If deforestation will not be controlled now, then the human population, as well as the global ecosystem, will be at threat of mass destruction. Nature maintains itself by creating a balance between the populations. But the increasing human population is a major threat to the ecological balance.