Select the correct option to complete the following sentence. 

The direct impact of Deforestation is: 

Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of trees from forests, which directly affects the environment and ecosystems. Its consequences are both immediate and long-term, particularly for soil, climate, and biodiversity.Key Points

• The direct impact of deforestation is soil erosion and ecological imbalance.
• Trees play a crucial role in holding the soil together with their roots.
• When forests are cleared, the soil becomes loose and is easily washed away by rain, leading to soil erosion.
• Additionally, deforestation disturbs the balance of natural ecosystems, resulting in ecological imbalance, such as loss of biodiversity and changes in weather patterns.

Hint

• Surplus animal population is incorrect; in fact, deforestation usually reduces wildlife populations by destroying their habitat.
• Disrupted energy flow in the environment can occur eventually, but it is an indirect effect, not a direct one.
• Increased number of smaller plants is not a common or direct outcome of deforestation; ground cover may initially increase but often diminishes due to soil degradation.

Hence, the correct answer is soil erosion and ecological imbalance.