Why is it incomplete to link colonial deforestation only with population growth?

Correct answer: Because forests were also cleared for railway sleepers, shipbuilding, plantations, and revenue

Population growth could increase demand for agricultural land, but it was not the sole cause of colonial deforestation. British policies created major demands for timber for railway sleepers and shipbuilding, while forests were also cleared for commercial plantations and revenue. Option B is incorrect because agricultural expansion could affect forests; it simply cannot explain deforestation by itself. Exam tip: mention both agricultural expansion and colonial commercial and administrative demands in a multi-cause answer.