Question

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which of the following most accurately predicts the impact of deforestation on ecosystems and the food web?
deforestation will provide trees for lumber and commercial use, and new plant and animal communities can then be established.
deforestation will cause loss of habitat, loss of food sources, water pollution and even loss of biodiversity.
deforestation has no major impact on local ecosystems, but may damage local food webs.
deforestation will cause loss of habitat and loss of food sources, but the ecosystems food web will not be affected.

Explanation:

Deforestation leads to habitat loss for numerous species. Without their natural homes, animals struggle to survive. Food sources are also diminished as plants (which form the base of many food chains) are destroyed. Additionally, deforestation can cause soil erosion, which in turn leads to water pollution. Biodiversity is negatively impacted because a wide variety of species (plants, animals, insects etc.) that depend on the forest ecosystem are affected. The first option is incorrect as new plant and animal communities do not easily or quickly establish in a deforested area in a healthy, balanced way like a natural forest ecosystem. The third option is wrong because deforestation has major impacts on local ecosystems (not just on food webs). The fourth option is incorrect because if habitat and food sources (which are part of the food web components) are lost, the food web is definitely affected.

Answer:

Deforestation will cause loss of habitat, loss of food sources, water pollution and even loss of biodiversity.