Question

forests are often cut down to clear land for agricultural uses. how would clearing a forest for farmland most likely affect the local forest ecosystem?
a habitat for forest animals would decrease, causing an increase in forest biodiversity.
b forest plant populations would decrease, causing a decrease in forest biodiversity.
c habitat fragmentation would decrease, causing a decrease in forest biodiversity.
d rates of disease would decrease, causing an increase in forest biodiversity.

Explanation:

Clearing forests for farmland reduces plant populations. Loss of plants means loss of food - sources and habitats for many organisms. This leads to a decrease in biodiversity. Habitat for forest animals decreases, not increases as in option A. Habitat fragmentation usually increases, not decreases when forests are cleared. And clearing forests doesn't lead to a decrease in disease rates in a way that would increase biodiversity.

Answer:

B. Forest plant populations would decrease, causing a decrease in forest biodiversity.