8. What are the costs and benefits of deforestation? __ 9. How does deforestation add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere? __ 10. How has deforestation shaped the landscape of the United States? __

## Step 1<br />Deforestation refers to the process of clearing large areas of forest, which can have both costs and benefits. The costs of deforestation include the loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles, and contribution to climate change. This is because forests are home to a vast array of species, and their removal can lead to the extinction of these species. Additionally, forests play a crucial role in the water cycle, and their removal can disrupt this cycle, leading to issues such as droughts and floods. Finally, trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. When trees are cut down, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The benefits of deforestation, on the other hand, include the provision of timber and other forest products, the creation of agricultural land, and the reduction of dense vegetation that can harbor disease-carrying insects. While these benefits are significant, they do not outweigh the costs of deforestation.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Deforestation contributes to the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through a process called respiration. When trees are cut down, the carbon stored in them is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. This is because trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, a process that converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. When trees are cut down, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Deforestation has had a significant impact on the landscape of the United States. In the early 19th century, the U.S. was covered in dense forests. However, as the population grew and the demand for land increased, vast areas of forest were cleared for agriculture and urban development. This led to the creation of the Great Plains, a vast expanse of flat land that is now used for agriculture. Additionally, the clearing of forests led to the creation of many of the country's major cities, such as New York City and Chicago.