Question

During the past 40 years, close to 20 percent of the Amazon rain forest has been cut down, more than in all the previous 450 years since European colonization began. Scientists predict that an additional 20 percent of the trees will be lost over the next 20 years. The Amazon rainforest, like other rainforests, produces half its own rainfall through the moisture it releases into the atmosphere through transpiration. Eliminate enough of that rain through deforestation, and the remaining trees dry out and die. Other problems result from the deforestation of rainforests. One can be seen here.

Deforestation leads to many negative situations on Earth as illustrated by this satellite image. Which of these is not a consequence of the deforestation of the rainforest?
Responses
A Deforestation leads to the extinction of species.Deforestation leads to the extinction of species.
B Deforestation leads to a decrease in fossil fuels.Deforestation leads to a decrease in fossil fuels.
C Deforestation leads to bare soil that is easily eroded.Deforestation leads to bare soil that is easily eroded.
D Deforestation leads to the destruction of many wildlife habitats.Deforestation leads to the destruction of many wildlife habitats.

Answer 1

B. Deforestation does not lead to a decrease in fossil fuels. It causes species extinction, habitat destruction, and erosion of exposed soils, but fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) are unaffected in the short term by cutting forests.