Final answer:
The eastern old-growth forests before European settlement were shaped by the abandonment of human settlements and agricultural activities, leading to the formation of old-growth stands. Settlers' desire for wood-built homes and large farm fields resulted in the removal of old-growth trees. This deforestation continued during the colonial period and the Industrial Revolution as the United States expanded westward.
Step-by-step explanation:
The eastern old-growth forests before European settlement could be described by the quote: 'In most of these cases, forest regeneration followed the abandonment of human settlements and agricultural activities resulting in the old-growth stands that are regarded as pristine today.'
Before the arrival of Europeans, indigenous people in the Americas had been using subtle fire techniques, selective harvesting, and efficient farming practices that preserved the ancient trees and largely kept the landscape unaltered. However, the arrival of settlers led to the removal of these old-growth trees due to their desire for wood-built homes and large farm fields.
This practice of clearing forests continued as the United States expanded westward during the colonial period and the Industrial Revolution. The development of railroads and pioneer settlements resulted in the extensive deforestation of the eastern and central forests.