Question

Which statement below best summarizes the likely effects on the carbon cycle of clear-cutting, or removing all the trees, in vast areas of a forest?
a.Clear-cutting would limit the amount of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the area.
b.Clear-cutting would increase the amount of carbon dioxide found in the atmosphere.
c.Clear-cutting would allow for secondary succession of smaller plants and more carbon.
d.Clear-cutting would reduce the amount of carbon dioxide found in the atmosphere.

Answer 1

The statement that best summarizes the likely effects on the carbon cycle of clear-cutting vast areas of a forest is:

**b. Clear-cutting would increase the amount of carbon dioxide found in the atmosphere.**

This is because removing trees eliminates their ability to sequester carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, and the decomposition of cut trees contributes additional CO2 to the atmosphere.