Deforestation's Impact on Carbon Cycle

Steps:

• Identify global warming cause: excess atmospheric CO2 trapping heat.
• Link rainforests: trees absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, storing carbon.
• Consider cutting trees: removes absorbers, leaving more CO2 in air.
• Evaluate options: select one directly increasing atmospheric CO2.

Why C is correct:

• Photosynthesis definition: plants convert CO2 to energy and oxygen; fewer trees mean less CO2 removal, raising levels per greenhouse gas effect.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Decomposition releases CO2 but doesn't directly cause warming; fewer decomposers might slow this.
• B: Fewer roots reduce soil stability but don't alter atmospheric CO2.
• D: Erosion degrades land but primarily affects local ecosystems, not global CO2.

Final answer: C