Question

Rainforests around the world are being cleared at an alarming rate to make room for new communities, agriculture, mining, and roads, and to provide lumber for construction and furniture.

How might the destruction of rainforests affect the balance of gases in Earth's atmosphere?
by increasing carbon dioxide and decreasing oxygen
by increasing carbon dioxide and increasing oxygen
by decreasing carbon dioxide and increasing oxygen
by decreasing carbon dioxideand decreasing oxygen
A group of environmentalists was discussing the benefits and drawbacks associated with using fossil fuels. Which argument best fits the conversation?
Fossil fuels are cheaper than alternative forms of energy.
Fossil fuel reserves will never be depleted.
Fossil fuels are easily renewed.
Fossil fuel use does not affect the environment.
Which describes a way in which phosphorus may enter into the phosphorus cycle?
Earthquakes release phosphorus.
Phosphorus is carried in the rain that was evaporated from lakes.
Human use of fertilizers release phosphorus into the groundwater.
Phosphorus is transpired from the leaves of plants.

Answer 1

1) by increasing carbon dioxide and decreasing oxygen
- Fewer trees mean less photosynthesis (less CO2 removed and less O2 produced), and burning/decay of cleared forests releases CO2.

2) Fossil fuels are cheaper than alternative forms of energy.
- This is a common economic argument favoring fossil fuel use; the other choices are false.

3) Human use of fertilizers release phosphorus into the groundwater.
- Fertilizer runoff and leaching add soluble phosphorus to soils and water; phosphorus is not evaporated or transpired.