Question

1. how does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

a. it increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
b. it promotes plant diversity in cities
c. it decreases the amount of ocean currents
d. it creates more stable seasonal changes

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option a: Trees absorb carbon dioxide ($\ce{CO_2}$) during photosynthesis. Deforestation reduces the number of trees, so less $\ce{CO_2}$ is absorbed, leading to an increase in atmospheric $\ce{CO_2}$. This relates to the carbon cycle.
• Option b: Deforestation typically reduces plant diversity, especially in natural habitats, and has little direct relation to city plant diversity in a positive way.
• Option c: Ocean currents are driven by factors like temperature, salinity, and wind, not directly by deforestation.
• Option d: Deforestation disrupts seasonal patterns (e.g., by altering temperature and precipitation) rather than creating more stable seasonal changes.

Answer:

a. It increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere