Which sequence describes effects of deforestation (biosphere) leading to consequent changes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere?
Deforestation increases carbon dioxide, causes soil erosion, and changes water flow patterns.
The Earth's spheres are linked, so a change in the biosphere (loss of forests) produces changes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere.
Atmosphere: trees absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and store carbon. Cutting and burning them reduces this absorption and releases stored carbon, so carbon dioxide in the air increases.
Geosphere: tree roots bind the soil and leaf cover breaks the force of rain. Without them, the topsoil is washed or blown away, causing soil erosion.
Hydrosphere: forests slow run-off, help water soak into the ground and return water vapour through transpiration. Their removal changes how water flows over land and into rivers, causing faster run-off, flooding and silting.
Statements saying deforestation leaves air or water unaffected, or only affects habitats and food, ignore these links, so only the statement covering all three spheres is correct.
Hence, Deforestation increases carbon dioxide, causes soil erosion, and changes water flow patterns.
How do plants help maintain the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
Which statement accurately compares the carbon content of the oceans to that of the atmosphere?
A city plans to build a landfill which is near a river and farmland to manage growing waste. Which strategy best protects the ecosystem while supporting urban development?
Which of the following pairs of articles does NOT represent nonbiodegradable substances?
Soil fertility would decline if fungi were removed from an ecosystem as:
In an ecosystem, organisms that can prepare their own food using sunlight are known as _______________.
In a grassland food web, which of the following would most likely happen if the population of primary consumers such as rabbits dramatically decreased?
How does the atmosphere help maintain suitable temperatures for life on Earth?
Which sequence correctly matches each bacterium to its primary role in the nitrogen cycle: nitrogen fixation, nitrification and denitrification?
Which of the following methods is NOT applied for disposal of nonbiodegradable substances?
Which of the following isnotan adaptation for Xerophytes?
One horned Rhinoceros is a conserved species at:
Who amongst the following forms the first trophic level in an ecosystem?
Primary consumers are