What was the strongest relation between infrastructure expansion and deforestation?

Correct answer: Railways, roads and construction required cleared land and created a continuing demand for timber

Laying railway lines, making sleepers, constructing roads and buildings, and preparing construction sites required large amounts of timber and cleared land. Thus, the expansion of colonial infrastructure increased deforestation. Option C is a close distractor because wooden sleepers were widely used beneath railway tracks. Exam tip: mention both ‘timber for railway sleepers’ and ‘clearing land for construction’.