What is deforestation?

• A. The permanent removal of trees to make room for something beside forest.
  • The passage defines deforestation as the permanent removal of trees for purposes other than maintaining forests.

According to National Geographic, what happened in North America between the 1600s and late 1800s?

• B. About half the forests in the eastern part of the continent were cut down for timber and farming.
  • The passage states that substantial deforestation occurred during this period for timber and farming.

What are the four commodities mostly responsible for tropical deforestation?

• C. Beef, soy, palm oil, and wood products.
  • The passage lists these four commodities as primarily responsible for tropical deforestation.

Why does deforestation produce greenhouse gas emissions?

• A. Because the act of clearing the forests releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
  • The passage explains that clearing forests produces greenhouse gas emissions in addition to eliminating vegetation that absorbs carbon dioxide.

What is suggested as a way to reduce the need for deforestation?

• D. Adopting sustainable farming practices and employing new farming technologies and crops.
  • The passage suggests that these measures could help decrease the need for clearing more land.