Which statement best explains how deforestation affects organisms?

Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store carbon. When forests are cut down or burned, fewer trees remain to remove carbon dioxide, and burning or decay can release stored carbon into the air. The increased carbon dioxide strengthens the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming, so the best choice is “It increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, enhancing global warming.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.