In terms of environmental science, what is a significant impact of deforestation?

Deforestation significantly contributes to soil erosion, making this the correct answer. When trees are removed, the protective canopy they provide is lost, leaving the soil vulnerable to the effects of wind and water. Without tree roots to anchor the soil, the top layer can be washed away during rains or blown away by winds, leading to increased erosion. This not only depletes the soil of nutrients necessary for plant growth but also can lead to sedimentation in waterways, which negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems.

While the other options deal with aspects related to forests and the environment, they do not reflect the immediate consequence of deforestation as clearly as soil erosion does. Increased biodiversity is typically seen in healthy ecosystems with abundant vegetation, not in deforested areas. Carbon sequestration involves the ability of forests to absorb carbon dioxide, which is diminished with tree removal. Finally, deforestation generally leads to an increase, not reduction, in carbon dioxide levels due to the loss of trees that absorb carbon during photosynthesis, further highlighting that soil erosion is a more direct and significant impact of deforestation.