The removal of large numbers of trees is called what?

• A. Reforestation
• B. Deforestation
• C. Urbanization
• D. Desertification

Answer: (B)

Deforestation is the removal of large numbers of trees from forests. This happens when forests are cleared, burned, or degraded to make room for farming, livestock, timber, or development, resulting in a substantial loss of tree cover and impacts on wildlife, soil, and climate. Reforestation is the opposite idea—planting trees to restore forest cover after trees have been removed. Urbanization refers to the growth of urban areas and can involve tree loss, but it’s about city development rather than the broad clearing of forests. Desertification is the deterioration of land in arid areas, where vegetation declines, which can include fewer trees, but it isn’t defined by the act of removing trees itself.