Living Environment Regents Practice Test

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What can happen to soil quality in an oak-hickory forest after the removal of oak trees?

Soil quality remains unaffected
Soil may become more fertile
Soil erosion may increase
Soil may retain more moisture

The correct answer is: Soil erosion may increase

Removing oak trees from an oak-hickory forest can lead to increased soil erosion. Oak trees play a significant role in stabilizing the soil with their extensive root systems, which help to maintain soil structure. When these trees are removed, the protective cover that they provided is lost. This absence can result in exposed soil, making it more vulnerable to erosion from wind and water. Erosion can wash away the nutrient-rich topsoil, deplete the soil of essential minerals, and disrupt the habitat for various organisms, which can further diminish soil quality. In contrast, while some may think soil quality remains unaffected or may even become more fertile or retain moisture, the reality is that the removal disrupts the ecological balance of the forest. This ultimately leads to negative consequences for soil health, particularly through the processes of increased erosion, which is highlighted by the correct choice.