The cutting down of trees on a large scale to deplete forest cover and to use the land and wood so obtained for other profitable purposes is called___________

Options

A. deforestation
B. afforestation
C. reforestation
D. forestry

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question is asking for a term that describes the large-scale cutting down of trees, which leads to a reduction in forest cover and repurposing of the land and wood obtained.

2. **Identifying Key Terms**: The key terms in the question are "cutting down of trees," "large scale," "deplete forest cover," and "use the land and wood for other profitable purposes."

3. **Exploring Possible Terms**:
- **Deforestation**: This term refers specifically to the large-scale removal of trees from forested areas, leading to a decrease in forest cover. It aligns with the description provided in the question.
- **Reforestation**: This term refers to the process of planting trees in an area where a forest has been depleted. This is not what the question is asking.
- **Forestry**: This term relates to the management and study of forests, not the act of cutting down trees.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the definitions and the context provided, the correct answer to fill in the blank is "deforestation."

**Final Answer**: The cutting down of trees on a large scale to deplete forest cover and to use the land and wood so obtained for other profitable purposes is called **deforestation**.

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