What effect did expansion of new towns and settlements have on forests?

Correct answer: Deforestation increased

Direct answer: Option A is correct. As new towns and settlements expanded, people needed land for houses, roads, markets, fields and other construction. Forests were cleared to provide this land and building material. Population growth and migration could increase this pressure. The reasoning is simple: more settlements require more space; obtaining that space often involved removing trees; therefore deforestation increased. Option A is correct because forest land was cleared for settlement and construction. Option B is wrong because town expansion did not automatically remove forest laws; colonial governments often introduced or enforced more controls. Option C is wrong because the statement about railways stopping is unrelated and opposite to the wider pattern of colonial development. Option D is absurd and has no connection with settlement expansion. A useful exam cue is to connect population growth, settlement, construction and loss of forest land.