Name: __ When a rainforest is clear-cut and deforested to make room for roads and buildings , which change most likely to take place? a. biodiversity increases, and the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increases b. biodiversity decreases and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases c. rainfall decreases, and the amount of flooding due to runoff decreases d. air temperature decreases, and the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increases Unit 2 Instructiona Sequence 4 Q

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking about the environmental changes that occur when a rainforest is clear-cut and deforested to make room for roads and buildings. The options provided are:<br />a. biodiversity increases, and the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increases<br />b. biodiversity decreases and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases<br />c. rainfall decreases, and the amount of flooding due to runoff decreases<br />d. air temperature decreases, and the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increases<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to consider the impact of deforestation on biodiversity and the atmosphere. When a rainforest is clear-cut, the biodiversity decreases because the habitat for various species is destroyed. This leads to a decrease in the number of species, which is a direct impact of deforestation.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Furthermore, trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. When trees are cut down, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases because there are fewer trees to absorb it. This leads to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.