NCERT Class 7 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Forests: our lifeline

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Which of the following is NOT a direct environmental consequence of deforestation?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AAggravation of flood risks
BLoss of biodiversity and habitat
CIncrease in global atmospheric temperature
DEnhancement of the soil's water-holding capacity

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Enhancement of the soil's water-holding capacity

Explanation

Deforestation refers to the permanent removal of trees to make room for something besides forest. Forests play a critical role in regulating the hydrological cycle, maintaining soil structure, sequestering carbon, and supporting biodiversity. The removal of forest cover disrupts these ecological services.

Analysis of Options:

Increase in global atmospheric temperature is a consequence: Trees act as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) for photosynthesis. Deforestation releases stored carbon and reduces the planet's capacity to absorb atmospheric CO₂, contributing to the greenhouse effect and an increase in global atmospheric temperature.
Enhancement of the soil's water-holding capacity is NOT a consequence: Forest cover improves soil structure through root penetration and the addition of organic matter (humus), which increases soil porosity and water retention. Deforestation leads to soil compaction and erosion, which decreases (rather than enhances) the soil's water-holding capacity.
Loss of biodiversity and habitat is a consequence: Forests provide shelter and food for a vast array of species. The destruction of forests leads to habitat fragmentation and loss, resulting in a significant decline in biodiversity and the potential extinction of species.
Aggravation of flood risks is a consequence: Trees intercept rainfall and facilitate the infiltration of water into the ground. Without tree cover, the soil's infiltration rate drops, leading to increased surface runoff. This rapid flow of water into rivers and low-lying areas aggravates flood risks.

Key Takeaway:

Deforestation degrades soil properties, specifically reducing its water-holding capacity and infiltration rate, which accelerates soil erosion and increases the intensity of floods and droughts.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Forests: our lifeline

With reference to the structure of a forest, consider the following statements: 1. The branchy part of a tree above the stem is known as the crown. 2. The roof-like structure formed by the branches is called the root system. 3. The forest floor is the only layer found in a forest. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the vegetation layers in a forest: 1. Giant and tall trees constitute the top layer. 2. Shrubs and tall grasses form the lowest layer of the forest. 3. Herbs form the lowest layer of vegetation in the forest. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

In a dense forest ecosystem, the forest floor receives minimal sunlight primarily due to:

easy

With reference to the role of forests in the water cycle, consider the following statements: 1. Trees release water vapour into the air through the process of condensation. 2. The forest canopy intercepts raindrops, preventing them from hitting the ground directly. 3. Forests facilitate the infiltration of water into the ground. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements about the "forest floor": 1. The forest floor is generally dark due to the dense canopy above. 2. The forest floor is completely devoid of any dead or decaying matter. 3. The forest floor is sterile and supports no living organisms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is

Enhancement of the soil's water-holding capacity

Explanation

Analysis of Options:

Increase in global atmospheric temperature is a consequence: Trees act as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) for photosynthesis. Deforestation releases stored carbon and reduces the planet's capacity to absorb atmospheric CO₂, contributing to the greenhouse effect and an increase in global atmospheric temperature.
Enhancement of the soil's water-holding capacity is NOT a consequence: Forest cover improves soil structure through root penetration and the addition of organic matter (humus), which increases soil porosity and water retention. Deforestation leads to soil compaction and erosion, which decreases (rather than enhances) the soil's water-holding capacity.
Loss of biodiversity and habitat is a consequence: Forests provide shelter and food for a vast array of species. The destruction of forests leads to habitat fragmentation and loss, resulting in a significant decline in biodiversity and the potential extinction of species.
Aggravation of flood risks is a consequence: Trees intercept rainfall and facilitate the infiltration of water into the ground. Without tree cover, the soil's infiltration rate drops, leading to increased surface runoff. This rapid flow of water into rivers and low-lying areas aggravates flood risks.

Key Takeaway:

Deforestation degrades soil properties, specifically reducing its water-holding capacity and infiltration rate, which accelerates soil erosion and increases the intensity of floods and droughts.