Question

The cutting of rainforests causes a lack of normal water flow into the soil. Puddles of water can stand for long periods. Which of the following statements best explains how rainforest destruction is closely tied with human morbidity and mortality?

A. The elimination of top consumers can favor disease-carrying organisms.
B. Mosquitoes with an aquatic larval form spread many highly contagious diseases.
C. The standing water is used for drinking and disease organisms in the water cause diarrhea.
D. All of these explain the connection between rainforest destruction and human morbidity and mortality."

Answer 1

Deforestation affects human morbidity and mortality through various mechanisms such as the elimination of top consumers, the spread of diseases by mosquitoes, and the ingestion of disease organisms in standing water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cutting of rainforests causes a lack of normal water flow into the soil, resulting in puddles of water that can stand for long periods. This destruction is closely tied with human morbidity and mortality through various mechanisms.

1. The elimination of top consumers can favor disease-carrying organisms: When top consumers, such as large predators, are eliminated due to deforestation, the population of disease-carrying organisms, like rodents, can increase. These organisms can then transmit diseases to humans.
2. Mosquitoes with an aquatic larval form spread many highly contagious diseases: The standing water created by deforestation provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus to humans.
3. The standing water is used for drinking and disease organisms in the water cause diarrhea: When humans are forced to use the standing water for drinking purposes, they can be exposed to disease-causing organisms, leading to diarrheal diseases.

Therefore, all of these explanations collectively explain the connection between rainforest destruction and human morbidity and mortality.