GCEAgricultural ScienceFisheries and Forestry2021

Which of the following is the MOST significant ecological consequence of large-scale deforestation in the rainforest zone of West Africa?

AIncreased availability of agricultural land leading to higher crop yields
BDisruption of the water cycle leading to reduced rainfall and desertificationCORRECT
CPermanent improvement of soil structure due to increased sunlight penetration
DReduction of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere
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Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
Forests play a critical role in the hydrological cycle through transpiration and interception of rainfall. Large-scale deforestation disrupts this cycle, reducing moisture recycled into the atmosphere, which leads to decreased regional rainfall, increased surface runoff, soil erosion, and ultimately desertification. Deforestation generally degrades soil structure, releases stored carbon (increasing CO₂), and while it exposes land, long-term crop yields decline due to soil degradation.
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