Living Environment Regents Practice Test

Which ecological balance is directly impacted by tree removal in forests?

1. Energy balance

2. Soil balance

3. Water balance

4. Species balance

The correct answer is: Species balance

Tree removal in forests significantly impacts the species balance within an ecosystem. Trees provide essential habitat and resources for a variety of organisms, including birds, mammals, insects, and other plant species. The removal of trees can lead to a decline in biodiversity, as species that rely on these trees for shelter, food, and nesting sites may struggle to survive or reproduce. Furthermore, the alteration of the habitat can also enable invasive species to thrive, further disrupting the native species balance in the area. The interdependence of species within an ecosystem means that the loss of trees can have a cascading effect, leading to declines in various animal populations and disrupting the overall ecological equilibrium.