In a chain of consequences after a forest is cleared, what is an immediate, direct impact?(1 point)
Responses
habitat is destroyed
habitat is destroyed
carbon dioxide is sequestered at lower rates
carbon dioxide is sequestered at lower rates
the greenhouse effect increases
the greenhouse effect increases
species go extinct
species go extinct
habitat is destroyed
The immediate, direct impact of clearing a forest would be the destruction of habitat. To understand this chain of consequences, let's break it down step by step:
1. Habitat is destroyed: When a forest is cleared, the plants, trees, and other organisms that rely on that habitat lose their homes. This directly impacts the organisms living in the forest, including animals, birds, insects, and plants.
To understand why habitat destruction occurs as an immediate impact, you can consider the physical act of clearing a forest. Trees are cut down, vegetation is removed, and the natural landscape is altered or replaced by human activities such as agriculture, mining, or urban development. These direct actions result in the immediate loss of habitat for the organisms residing in the forest.
It's important to note that the other consequences mentioned - lower carbon dioxide sequestration, increased greenhouse effect, and species extinction - are also significant impacts but may occur as a result of the initial habitat destruction. For example, when a forest is cleared, the capacity of the area to absorb and store carbon dioxide decreases, contributing to lower rates of carbon dioxide sequestration. Additionally, the loss of trees and vegetation reduces the natural process of regulating the greenhouse effect, potentially leading to an increase in this phenomenon. Furthermore, when habitats are destroyed, many species may lose their homes and resources, leading to population decline and ultimately species extinction.
To summarize, the immediate, direct impact of clearing a forest is the destruction of habitat, which then sets off a chain of consequences including lower carbon dioxide sequestration, increased greenhouse effect, and species extinction.