The correct option is (b).
Explanation
Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of forests, which disrupts the ecological balance. This process has profound impacts on the atmosphere, soil integrity, and the hydrological cycle.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere for photosynthesis. Deforestation reduces this capacity, leading to an accumulation of CO2. Since CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps heat, its increased concentration leads to an increase in the Earth's temperature (Global Warming), not a decrease.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Tree roots bind soil particles together and contribute humus to the soil. The removal of vegetation exposes the topsoil to erosion by wind and water. This results in a decline in the soil's water-holding capacity and leads to significant changes in its physical properties, including texture and nutrient composition.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Forests regulate water flow by facilitating the infiltration of rainwater into the ground. Deforestation reduces this infiltration capacity, leading to higher surface runoff. Consequently, this increases the frequency and intensity of natural calamities such as floods, rather than decreasing them.
Key Takeaway: Deforestation causes a rise in global temperatures due to the greenhouse effect, degrades soil quality by altering its texture and water-holding capacity, and exacerbates natural disasters like floods and droughts.