What best describes the relationship between cutting down forests and changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?
A)Herbivore populations decline in the absence of forests, and without their respiration less carbon dioxide is recycled into the atmosphere.
B)The carbon dioxide used by the plants for cellular respiration would all be released into the atmosphere at once.
C)Trees naturally die and decompose, but when turned into lumber their carbon is prevented from recycling back to the atmosphere.
D)In the absence of forest plants, there would be less carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere for use during photosynthesis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Forests are important for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. When forests are cut down, less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels increase. Option A is incorrect because herbivores are not the primary factor affecting atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Option B is incorrect because the carbon dioxide released during cellular respiration is a part of the natural carbon cycle and does not impact atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Option C is incorrect because decomposing trees also release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, and the use of lumber does not prevent this process entirely.

What Best Describes the Relationship Between Cutting Down Forests and Changes