Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Deforestation refers to the clearing, removal, or destruction of forests. It involves the permanent conversion of forested areas into non-forest land for various purposes such as agriculture, urbanization, or logging.
Soil erosion is the process by which topsoil is removed or displaced from its original location due to factors like wind, water, or human activities. This can lead to reduced fertility of soil and loss of valuable nutrients.
Desertification: Desertification refers to the degradation of once fertile land into desert-like conditions. It occurs primarily due to human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and improper agricultural practices.
Biodiversity loss refers to the decline in the variety and abundance of species within a particular habitat or ecosystem. Deforestation contributes significantly to biodiversity loss as it destroys habitats that support numerous plant and animal species.