Why was monoculture in plantations useful for colonial economy but harmful for environment?

Correct answer: It gave one crop for market but reduced natural diversity

The direct answer is A: monoculture supplied one market crop but reduced natural diversity. Monoculture means growing one main crop over a large area instead of many natural species or useful local plants. The reasoning is: plantations were organized for sale and export, so one commercially valuable crop could be produced in a controlled way; however, clearing mixed forests removed different trees, shrubs, animals, insects, and habitats; one crop also made the area more vulnerable to pests, disease, and soil exhaustion. Option A is correct because it states both the economic benefit and the environmental cost. Option B is wrong because replacing a mixed forest does not increase habitat for every wild species. Option C is wrong because monoculture usually replaces, rather than restores, a multi-use forest. Option D is wrong because one crop cannot always prevent erosion; removal of varied vegetation may worsen it. Exam cue: write “commercial efficiency but ecological simplification.”