Question

Identify the deleterious effect of deforestation.

I. CO, concentration increases.

II. Habitat destruction leads to the loss of biodiversity.

III. Disturbance in the hydrologic cycle.

IV. Desertification.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. I, II, and III.
B. II, III, and IV.
C. I, III, and IV.
D. I, II, III, and IV.

Answer 1

Hint: Here, deleterious means harmful effect. Deforestation causes a rise in temperature and pollution, as well as a rise in carbon dioxide levels. Deforestation lessens rainfall and soil fertility, causing floods and droughts, and has a significant contribution to global warming. One of the most dangerous and troubling consequences of deforestation is the extinction of animal and plant species as a result of habitat loss.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Deforestation is defined as the large-scale cutting down of trees from forested areas or other lands in order to facilitate human activities.
The trees absorb toxic carbon dioxide and emit life-sustaining oxygen, operating as natural human companions. Deforestation raises the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere, resulting in global warming due to the greenhouse effect.

The destruction of forests results in a horrific loss of biodiversity. Due to deforestation, millions of plant and animal species are on the edge of extinction. Tropical forest countries bear the brunt of the consequences of deforestation. As a consequence of massive deforestation, many wild animals have begun to migrate to urban areas.
The water cycle on Earth is heavily reliant on trees, which absorb and release water through their leaves. Any reduction in the number of trees in a specific area has a significant impact on the moisture levels within the atmosphere, hence affecting the established process of the hydrological cycle.

One of the causes of the transformation of many fertile land areas into deserts is deforestation. This is referred to as desertification. Desertion of mountain forests degrades watersheds, resulting in the loss of long-term water resources for lowland communities.

Thus, from all the above points we can conclude that all the given statements imply the harmful effects of deforestation.

Hence, option D is the correct one.

Note: When forests are cleared or even disturbed, carbon dioxide as well as other greenhouse gases are released. Forest loss and damage account for 10% of global warming. We certainly cannot fight environmental issues unless we stop deforestation.