The Effects of Deforestation (Edexcel IGCSE Biology)
Exam board Pearson Edexcel · IGCSEUpdated 2026-07-02
Deforestation
Spec point —
4.18B· understand the effects of deforestation, including leaching, soil erosion, disturbance of evapotranspiration and the carbon cycle, and the balance of atmospheric gases
- Deforestation is the clearing of trees on a large scale, usually to provide land for agriculture or development
- Undesirable effects of deforestation include:
| Effect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Leaching | Soil minerals are not taken up by trees and are instead washed away by rain into nearby bodies of water |
| Soil erosion | Soil is not held together by tree roots and organic matter, so is more likely to be washed and/or blown away |
| Water cycle disturbance | The removal of trees reduces the release of water vapour into the atmosphere by transpiration, reducing cloud formation and rainfall |
| Carbon cycle disturbance and increased global warming | The removal of trees reduces photosynthesis, so less carbon is removed from the atmosphere and stored in plant tissues Combustion of felled trees increases release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere |
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