How can forest degradation impact the environment?

Forest degradation significantly impacts the environment, primarily by lowering biodiversity and disrupting ecological balance. When forests are degraded, the natural habitat for numerous species is destroyed or fragmented, leading to a decline in species populations and potentially resulting in extinction for some. This loss of biodiversity diminishes the resilience of ecosystems, making them less able to withstand environmental changes or disturbances such as climate change, invasive species, or diseases.

Moreover, healthy ecosystems rely on a diverse array of species to function effectively. Each species plays a specific role, from pollinators to predators to decomposers, all of which contribute to nutrient cycling, soil health, and the overall productivity of the forest. When any of these components are threatened or removed, it creates a ripple effect that can disrupt food webs and ecological processes.

Therefore, the correct response highlights the critical relationship between forest health, biodiversity, and ecological balance, illustrating how degradation can have profound and long-lasting effects on the environment.