Earth's Resources: Forests and the Land

Question 4 • Grade 8 World Cultures and Geography A

Which of the following statements best describes a consequence of deforestation?

Answer

Deforestation causes soil to lose vegetation, allowing heavy rains to wash away the topsoil and to cause flooding by clogging up rivers.

Deforestation allows too much oxygen to be released into the atmosphere, making the atmosphere too clean for living things to survive.

Deforestation causes soil erosion, which helps topsoil to maintain its nutrients for further plant growth.

Deforestation protects the habitats of many plant species, some of which are used to make important medicines.

Explanation

Without tree and plant cover, soil is more exposed to heavy rain, which can wash away nutrient-rich topsoil. The eroded soil may also clog rivers, increasing the risk of flooding. So choice A, about topsoil loss and flooding, best describes a consequence of deforestation.

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