Question

Over the years, the forest cover in a particular ecosystem was reduced from about 50% to 20%. What would be the MOST LIKELY effect of this?
Responses
A The loss of moisture from the soil would be reduced.The loss of moisture from the soil would be reduced.
B Herbivores would be forced to change into carnivores.Herbivores would be forced to change into carnivores.
C The flow of energy in the ecosystem would be affected.The flow of energy in the ecosystem would be affected.
D The exchange of carbon dioxide in the ecosystem would increase

Answer 1

C. The flow of energy in the ecosystem would be affected.

Explanation: Reducing forest cover greatly reduces primary producer biomass (plants), which lowers primary productivity and therefore the amount of energy available to higher trophic levels. That disrupts food chains/webs and can cause population declines and trophic cascades. Options A and B are incorrect (deforestation tends to increase soil moisture loss and herbivores cannot morph into carnivores), and D is ambiguous/misleading compared with the clear effect on energy flow.