Certified Forester Practice Exam

Which of the following is a consequence of deforestation?

1. Increased carbon capture and storage

2. Loss of biodiversity and habitat

3. Improved soil quality

4. Enhanced river health

The correct answer is: Loss of biodiversity and habitat

The impact of deforestation on ecosystems is significant, and one of the primary consequences is the loss of biodiversity and habitat. Forests are home to a multitude of species, each playing a crucial role in their ecosystems. When forests are cleared, not only are the plants and animals that inhabit them displaced, but entire ecological networks can collapse, leading to reduced species diversity. This loss can have cascading effects, as species that rely on forest habitats for food, shelter, and breeding may face extinction. Additionally, deforestation can disrupt local climate patterns and soil integrity, further compromising habitats. In contrast, the other options discuss outcomes that do not typically occur as a result of deforestation. For instance, increased carbon capture and storage is an advantage of healthy forests, as trees absorb carbon dioxide, and their removal would release stored carbon, contributing to climate change rather than mitigating it. Improved soil quality is not a result of deforestation; in fact, soil degradation often occurs due to the removal of vegetation, as roots that bind the soil are lost, leading to erosion. Similarly, enhanced river health is usually associated with healthy riparian zones, which are negatively affected by deforestation, resulting in increased sedimentation and pollutant runoff into waterways.