The Effects of Deforestation
Biological and hydrological effects
Biological Effects
One of the biological effects of deforestation is that biodiversity will decrease. Biodiversity is: the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem. Deforestation leads to species extinction and the loss of food chains and webs we know little about. The biodiversity of life is notably much greater in the rainforests. Tropical rainforests may contain one-half the world's total species. The tropical forests are most affected, but temperate woodlands are also at great risk. Another effect is: Trees absorb carbon dioxide. So fewer trees means more carbon dioxide is loose in the air. More carbon dioxide means an increased greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming. Another effect is: Many animals live in trees and use them for protection from the weather, and predators that constantly watch them waiting to munch on them. Without trees the animals will be more vulnerable to predators also which reduces their population.
Hydrological Effects
One of the hydrological effects of deforestation is: In the dry season there can be droughts and the trees protect the forests from getting flooded. Another reason is that due to soil erosion, all the soil is dried up and half of the tropical rain-forests have been cleared. Also water becomes unsafe to drink due to soil erosion.