Question

sy23 - 24 semester 1 sgh environmental science interim assessment 1. which of the following correctly describes the process by which deforestation contributes to the greenhouse effect? a. trees release oxygen, and without them, the atmosphere has less oxygen to trap heat. b. the loss of trees leads to increased absorption of sunlight by the ground, warming the atmosphere. c. trees are a major carbon sink, and their removal releases stored carbon dioxide and reduces the rate of its absorption. d. deforestation increases soil erosion, which covers glaciers and causes them to melt faster.

Explanation:

Trees absorb carbon - dioxide during photosynthesis and store carbon. Deforestation reduces the number of trees, releasing the stored carbon - dioxide back into the atmosphere and decreasing the rate of carbon - dioxide absorption, which contributes to the greenhouse effect. Option A is incorrect as oxygen does not trap heat. Option B is not the main process related to the greenhouse effect caused by deforestation. Option D is about a different environmental impact not directly related to the greenhouse - gas mechanism of deforestation.

Answer:

C. Trees are a major carbon sink, and their removal releases stored carbon dioxide and reduces the rate of its absorption