What is one major impact of deforestation in ecological regions?

One major impact of deforestation is the loss of biodiversity. Deforestation involves the removal of trees and forests, which serve as critical habitats for a vast array of plant and animal species. When forests are cleared, the intricate ecosystems that depend on these habitats are disrupted. This can lead to population declines or even the extinction of species that are unable to adapt to changing environments or find new habitats.

Forests are known for their rich biodiversity, hosting about 80% of the world’s terrestrial species. The destruction of these environments not only affects the species that live there but can also have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem, impacting everything from soil health to local climate conditions. This loss of biodiversity lowers the resilience of ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to diseases, climate change, and other environmental stresses.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the direct consequences of deforestation. For instance, urban development may be a result of land clearing, but it is not an impact of deforestation itself. Improved air quality is typically associated with the presence of trees, as they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, making this option misleading in the context of deforestation. Additionally, enhanced agricultural production can occur in some scenarios, but it often comes at the cost