Environmental Studies · Geography

Deforestation and Land Degradation

2,532 Questions

Deforestation and land degradation address the environmental impacts of human activities on natural ecosystems. Key areas include soil erosion, forest fires, and the consequences of overgrazing. These subjects frequently appear in the geography and environmental science sections of competitive exams.

Causes of deforestationForest fires consequencesSoil erosion factorsDesertification impactsAgroforestry benefitsReforestation advantages

Deforestation and Land Degradation Questions

Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Soil erosion can be prevented by 

  1. Overgrazing

  2. Removal of vegetation

  3. Afforestation

  4. Deforestation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Afforestation is the establishment of a forest or trees in an area where there was no forest. As the roots of trees spread deep into the layers of soil, they hold it tightly, thus preventing soil erosion. 

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Forests

  1. Maintain natural balance

  2. Control atmospheric pollution

  3. Prevent soil erosion

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
Forests are essential to life on Earth. Without them, the energy of the sun would not be harnessed through the process of photosynthesis, nor would oxygen be released through the same process. Aside from these two vital ingredients to life, they are also important in that they are home to countless species of plants and animals, many of which are endangered. Though tropical forests cover only 7% of the Earth's land mass, they are home to more than 50% of the world's 10-50 million plant and animal species. Often, the plants in the forests also provide us with medicines. On a more basic level, they have provided the human race with wood for centuries, without which people would not be living at the level of comfort they have today.
Having a few trees around homes can cut heating and cooling energy costs in half! Also, with increased levels of contamination of groundwater by chemicals, it is important to note that the thin hair-like root fibers of trees helps in filtering the water. The leaves also act as natural filters of air and water by removing particulate matter. A very important function of trees in the growing concrete-based world is in flood control. The roots hold soil in place, which would otherwise be washed away in heavy rains. Trees also act as natural barriers to the weather elements such as wind and snow. In effect, they are nature's method of climate control.
On a more social level, trees are important to people since they are very aesthetically pleasing -- they provide the scenery which helps relax people. As such, they are a valuable resource for recreation, which in turn contributes to local and national economic growth by providing more jobs.
Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Soil erosion can be prevented by

  1. Increase in bird population

  2. Afforestation

  3. Over-grazing

  4. Removal of vegetation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
Afforestation is the planting of vegetation. The vegetative cover protects the soil from the beating and dispersing action of the raindrops by forming a canopy over the soil surface. Vegetation also acts as a mechanical obstruction to flowing water, thus reducing its erosive potential. The plant roots help in building a better structure. They said in opening the soil and thereby accelerating water absorption and reducing surface run-off.
All other factors given in the options will promote soil erosion.
Therefore, the correct answer is option B.
Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Planting rows of trees along farm lands

  1. Causes soil erosion

  2. Break the force of wind

  3. Both A and B

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Planting rows of trees along farmland also help break the force of wind and help in soil conservation. Shelter belts of trees, when planted along sand dunes, help stabilise them and prevent the desert from extending into land available for cultivation.

Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Soil erosion can be prevented by

  1. Over-gazing

  2. Removal of vegetation

  3. Afforestation

  4. Deforestation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Afforestation, or planting trees, helps bind the soil with roots and reduces the impact of rain and wind, thereby preventing soil erosion. The other options (over-grazing, deforestation) actually increase erosion.

Multiple choice commercial studies striving for a better environment soil and its conservations soil pollution-control protecting our environment

Which of the following prevents soil erosion?

  1. Afforestation

  2. Eutrophication

  3. Deforestation

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Deforestation is the destruction of forest resources. The major effect of deforestation is the loss of precious wildlife, rare species of flora and fauna. Directly or indirectly, deforestation causes soil erosion and drought. Soil erosion can be prevented by afforestation and reforestation. Afforestation is the planting of the new forests. Plants hold soil with their roots and thus prevent erosion. Eutrophication is the process of enriching water bodies with nutrients.  It supports the abnormal growth of algae.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Multiple choice zoology global environmental change causes of greenhouse effect global warming adaptation in animals

Global warming can be controlled by 

  1. Reducing reforestation, increasing the use of fossil fuel

  2. Increasing deforestation, slowing down the growth of human population

  3. Increasing deforestation, reducing efficiency of energy usage

  4. Reducing deforestation, cutting down use of fossil fuel
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Global warming is the biggest challenge for the developing countries like India. The rapid increase in human population and the increased levels of pollution are the major contributors of global warming.The percentage of heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO$ _2$) increases due to the burning of  fossil fuels to generate electricity, fuel our cars, and heat our homes. Deforestation also increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

So, the correct answer is option D.

Multiple choice zoology global environmental change causes of greenhouse effect global warming adaptation in animals

Which of the following defines the effect of deforestation on the next generation?

  1. Global warming

  2. Global cooling

  3. Both A and B

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
As a result of deforestation, chances of desertification, droughts, floods, etc. increase. Deforestation can also increase the level of carbon dioxide in the Earth, it will lead to an increase in temperature i.e., global warming. As a result, the entire natural water cycle will get disrupted. This again increases the risk of natural calamities.
Thus, the correct answer is option A.
Multiple choice zoology global environmental change causes of greenhouse effect global warming adaptation in animals

Which of the following are caused due to the unplanned clearing of land?
(i) The destruction of habitats
(ii) Soil erosion
(iii) Land slides
(iv) Global warming

  1. Only (i), (ii) and (iii)

  2. Only (i), (ii) and (iv)

  3. Only (i), (iii) and (iv)

  4. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The unplanned clearing of land leads to loss of habitats and also it leads to loss of biodiversity.

The trees hold the soil tightly for rooting which prevents the soil erosion. The unplanned clearing of the land leads to soil erosion.
The unplanned clearing of land leads the land barren which may cause shifting of land.
The unplanned clearing of land leads to increase in the carbondioxide concentration in the atmosphere which leads to global warming.
So, the correct answer is option D.

Multiple choice chemistry occurrence of carbon compounds in nature substances, objects and energy alternative fuels and energy sources alternative sources of energy

Which is most harmful for life on the globe?

  1. Deforestation

  2. Soil erosion

  3. Increasing deserts

  4. Nuclear fallout.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Nuclear fallout, or simply fallout, is the residual radioactive material propelled into the upper atmosphere following a nuclear blast or a nuclear reaction conducted in an unshielded facility, so called because it "falls out" of the sky after the explosion and the shock wave have passed. While deforestation, soil erosion and increasing deserts can be controlled, nuclear fallout causes genetic mutation in humans and destruction that cannot be controlled or cured.

Multiple choice geography the soil soil erosion (geo) soil erosion, soil conservation and uses of soil soil erosion and conservation

Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?

  1. Intensive cultivation

  2. Deforestation

  3. Over irrigation

  4. Overgrazing
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Over irrigation is main cause of land degradation in Punjab due to waterlogging leading to increase in salinity and alkalinity in the soil. Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh are the states facing issue of land degradation.

Multiple choice geography the soil soil erosion (geo) soil erosion, soil conservation and uses of soil soil erosion and conservation

The main reason for land degradation in Uttar Pradesh is __________.

  1. Mining

  2. Excessive irrigation

  3. Salinity

  4. Dense population
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In the states of Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, over irrigation is responsible for land degradation due to waterlogging leading to increase in salinity and alkalinity in the soil.