Question

what conclusion about biogeochemical cycles can be made if the tropical regions of south america continue their farming practices? a. the cleared land decreases ground solar absorption, leading to a decrease in the speed of the water cycle. b. the cleared land used for farming will balance out the loss of carbon storage from the forest over time. c. increase clearing of tropical forests will disrupt the water cycle, potentially leading to drought like conditions. d. increased rates of cellular respiration due to farming activity on the cleared land will lead to a decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Clearing land reduces vegetation, which actually increases ground solar absorption (not decreases) and affects the water cycle negatively, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Cleared land for farming (like crops) has less carbon storage than forests, so it won't balance out carbon storage loss, B is incorrect.
• Option C: Tropical forests are vital for the water cycle (transpiration, rainfall). Increasing deforestation disrupts this, leading to droughts. This aligns with biogeochemical cycles (water cycle here) and the impact of farming (deforestation for farming) in tropical regions.
• Option D: Farming on cleared land (e.g., with crops or livestock) often increases cellular respiration (from plants, animals, decomposers) and decreases carbon sequestration, leading to an increase (not decrease) in atmospheric CO₂, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Increase clearing of tropical forests will disrupt the water cycle, potentially leading to drought like conditions.