Problem 4 - Biology: The Dynamic Science

Question

Deforestation: a. is a problem only in the tropics. b. may speed desertification. c. is slowed by grazing and farming. d. permanently enriches the soil. e. leads to the formation of lush grasslands.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Statement A and C are false. Statements B, D and E may have a degree of truth but they don't represent the real effects of deforestation fully.

Step 1: Statement Analysis A

Analyze the statement 'Deforestation is a problem only in the tropics'. Considering the global scale of deforestation, affecting many regions outside the tropics, which includes temperate and boreal forests, this statement is incorrect.

Step 2: Statement Analysis B

Analyze the statement 'Deforestation may speed desertification'. Deforestation leads to a degradation of the land and decrease in rainfall due to decreased transpiration, which can accelerate desertification. So, this statement is correct.

Step 3: Statement Analysis C

Analyze the statement 'Deforestation is slowed by grazing and farming'. Both grazing and farming can be leading causes of deforestation as land is cleared for these activities, thus this statement is incorrect.

Step 4: Statement Analysis D

Analyze the statement 'Deforestation permanently enriches the soil'. In fact, deforestation commonly leads to soil depletion as trees and plants that hold fertile soil together and foster nutrient cycles are removed. Thus, this statement is incorrect.

Step 5: Statement Analysis E

Analyze the statement 'Deforestation leads to the formation of lush grasslands'. While deforestation could initially lead to the formation of grasslands, they may not be 'lush' and could be more prone to desertification. Therefore, this statement is partially correct and may vary depending on the location.