Final answer:
Clearcutting is the most harmful forest management practice as it disrupts the natural habitat and biodiversity of the forest. It leads to the decline of forest-dependent and specialist species while generalist and omnivorous species may increase in abundance. Shelterwood cutting and group selection are more sustainable practices that minimize negative impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most harmful forest management practice to forest ecosystems is clearcutting. Clearcutting involves the complete removal of all trees in a specific area, leaving the land bare and susceptible to erosion. This practice disrupts the natural habitat and biodiversity of the forest, as it removes mature trees that provide critical resources for many species.
An example of the negative impacts of clearcutting is the decline of forest-dependent and specialist species. These species rely on a specific type of forest environment and are unable to adapt or find suitable habitat in clearcut areas. On the other hand, generalist and omnivorous species may actually increase in abundance and diversity in response to the disruption caused by clearcutting.
Shelterwood cutting and group selection are more sustainable forest management practices that minimize the negative impacts on forest ecosystems. These practices involve selective removal of trees while still maintaining some tree cover, which allows the forest to regenerate and provides habitat for a wider range of species.