Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between deforestation and changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?
A) In the absence of forests, herbivore populations decline; without their respiration, less carbon dioxide is recycled into the atmosphere.
B) The carbon dioxide used by forest plants for cellular respiration would all be released into the atmosphere at once.
C) Trees naturally die and decompose, but when they are turned into lumber their carbon is prevented from recycling back to the atmosphere.
D) In the absence of forest plants, less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere for use during photosynthesis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Forest plants store large amounts of carbon in their biomass through photosynthesis. Deforestation, which involves the removal or destruction of forest cover, reduces the amount of photosynthesis occurring in an area, resulting in less carbon being removed from the atmosphere. Additionally, the decomposition of dead plant material and the burning of forests both release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Therefore, deforestation is a significant contributor to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels that is currently being observed.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes the Relationship Between