AP Biology Questions on the Impact of Deforestation

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🌲 Deforestation: The clearing of forests for other land uses.
• 🌍 Climate Change Impact: Reduced carbon sequestration, leading to increased atmospheric CO2 levels.
• 💧 Water Cycle Disruption: Decreased transpiration, affecting local rainfall patterns and increasing soil erosion.
• 🐾 Biodiversity Loss: Habitat destruction leading to species extinction and reduced ecosystem stability.
• 🌱 Soil Degradation: Increased erosion and nutrient depletion, reducing land fertility.
• 🔥 Increased Fire Risk: Drier conditions and increased flammable biomass can lead to more frequent and intense wildfires.
• ⚠️ Human Impact: Displacement of indigenous communities and increased risk of zoonotic diseases.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the most significant impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle?
   1. A. Increased rate of photosynthesis
   2. B. Reduced carbon sequestration
   3. C. Decreased decomposition rates
   4. D. Enhanced formation of fossil fuels
2. How does deforestation primarily contribute to the disruption of the water cycle?
   1. A. Increased infiltration rates
   2. B. Decreased surface runoff
   3. C. Reduced transpiration
   4. D. Enhanced groundwater recharge
3. What is the most direct consequence of deforestation on biodiversity?
   1. A. Increased species migration
   2. B. Habitat fragmentation
   3. C. Enhanced species adaptation
   4. D. Decreased competition among species
4. Which soil-related problem is most exacerbated by deforestation?
   1. A. Increased soil fertility
   2. B. Reduced soil erosion
   3. C. Soil compaction
   4. D. Enhanced nutrient retention
5. How does deforestation contribute to the increased risk of wildfires?
   1. A. By increasing humidity levels
   2. B. By reducing the amount of flammable biomass
   3. C. By creating drier conditions and more flammable biomass
   4. D. By promoting the growth of fire-resistant plant species
6. What is a potential human health consequence directly linked to deforestation and habitat loss?
   1. A. Decreased risk of infectious diseases
   2. B. Increased access to clean water
   3. C. Reduced exposure to zoonotic diseases
   4. D. Increased risk of zoonotic diseases
7. Which of the following is a sustainable strategy to mitigate the impact of deforestation?
   1. A. Clear-cutting old-growth forests
   2. B. Implementing agroforestry practices
   3. C. Converting forests into agricultural land without soil conservation measures
   4. D. Promoting deforestation for short-term economic gains