What effect could deforestation have on wildlife and ecology?

Correct answer: Loss of habitat could affect animal life

The direct answer is A: loss of habitat could affect animal life. A forest is not just a collection of trees; it is a habitat providing food, shelter, breeding places, and movement routes. When forests are cleared, animals may lose homes, become separated from their groups, face food shortages, or be forced into human settlements. This can reduce populations and disturb food chains and ecological balance. Option A is correct because it states the immediate ecological effect of habitat loss. Option B is wrong because animals do not all increase immediately after forests are cleared. Option C is wrong because deforestation reduces, rather than increases, available forest habitat. Option D is wrong because ecology studies relationships between organisms and their environment, and forests are major ecosystems. Memory cue: no forest means less habitat.