Question

If deforestation (cutting down large areas of trees) increases, how would this most directly affect the carbon cycle shown in the diagram?

(1 point)

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would decrease because fewer plants release it.

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would decrease because oceans would absorb all of it.

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would increase because fewer plants absorb it.

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would stay the same because animals produce it.

Answer 1

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would increase because fewer plants absorb it.

Fewer trees mean less photosynthesis to remove CO2 (and cutting/burning trees can also release stored carbon), so atmospheric CO2 rises.