How does deforestation affect both the environment and wildlife?

Deforestation is the removal of forests for agriculture, construction, mining, or logging. While it may serve short-term human needs, it causes long-term damage to both the environment and animals.

Environmental Impact:

• Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Cutting them increases carbon in the air, leading to global warming.
• It disrupts the water cycle, reducing rainfall and drying up water sources.
• Without tree roots to hold the soil, erosion occurs, making the land infertile.
• Forests act as climate regulators; removing them leads to unpredictable weather.

Impact on Animals:

• Habitat destruction forces animals like tigers, elephants, and monkeys to move or die.
• Some species become endangered or extinct due to loss of shelter and food.
• It causes conflict between animals and humans, as animals enter villages in search of food.
• Biodiversity is reduced, weakening ecosystems.

Preserving forests is essential for both climate stability and wildlife survival.

2. Q: Why is biodiversity important for a healthy environment?

A:
Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living organisms — plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms — and the ecosystems they form.

Importance:

• Each species plays a unique role in maintaining balance. For example, birds eat pests, bees pollinate, and fungi decompose dead matter.
• Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and disasters.
• Food security depends on diverse crops and livestock. A disease that wipes out one variety won’t affect others.
• Medicines are made from plants and animals. For instance, penicillin comes from fungi, and some cancer drugs come from the yew tree.
• It maintains genetic variety, which helps species adapt and survive.

If biodiversity is lost, the ecosystem weakens. A healthy environment depends on a rich variety of life.

3. Q: How do human actions cause extinction of animal species?

A. Humans are the primary cause of modern animal extinction. Here’s how:

• Habitat Destruction: Forests are cleared for farming and cities, leaving animals homeless.
• Pollution: Chemicals in water, air, and soil poison animals or destroy their food sources.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures melt ice caps, dry waterholes, and shift ecosystems, making survival difficult.
• Overhunting and Poaching: Elephants are killed for ivory, rhinos for their horns, and tigers for their skin.
• Introduction of Invasive Species: Animals from other regions compete with native species for food and space, sometimes leading to extinction.
• Fishing and Mining: Oceans are overfished and coral reefs are damaged by mining and plastic waste.