Question

How does the destruction of forests contribute to levels of atmospheric carbon?
a.
Levels of atmospheric carbon are unaffected by destruction of forests, because the carbon entering the carbon cycle from the dead trees balances out the loss of carbon absorption during photosynthesis.
b.
When trees are destroyed, their stored carbon reenters the carbon cycle decreasing levels of atmospheric carbon.
c.
Fewer trees leads to greater amounts of carbon dioxide being absorbed from the atmosphere.
d.
Fewer trees leads to smaller amounts of carbon dioxide being absorbed from the atmosphere.

Answer 1

d.

Fewer trees mean less photosynthesis, so less CO2 is removed from the atmosphere. In addition, burning or decay of destroyed trees releases stored carbon back to the atmosphere, increasing atmospheric CO2.