Deforestation leads to

Options

A. Soil erosion
B. Loss of biodiversity
C. Disturbed hydrological cycle
D. All these

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Deforestation:**
- Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of trees from forested areas, which can have significant environmental impacts.

2. **Soil Erosion:**
- One of the primary consequences of deforestation is soil erosion. When trees are removed, the soil is left exposed and can be easily washed away by rain or blown away by wind. This leads to a loss of nutrients in the soil, making it less fertile.

3. **Loss of Biodiversity:**
- Deforestation also leads to a loss of biodiversity. Many plants and animals depend on forest ecosystems for their habitat. When forests are destroyed, these species face extinction as they cannot survive outside their natural habitat.

4. **Disturbance of the Hydrological Cycle:**
- The hydrological cycle is significantly disturbed by deforestation. Trees play a crucial role in absorbing water and maintaining moisture levels in the environment. Without trees, there is an increase in greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, as trees are not available to absorb this gas. This can lead to climate change.

5. **Conclusion:**
- In summary, deforestation leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disturbance of the hydrological cycle. Therefore, all these factors are correct consequences of deforestation.

**Final Answer:**
Deforestation leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disturbance of the hydrological cycle.

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