Which of the following is a potential benefit of reforestation?

Reforestation offers several significant benefits, notably habitat restoration for wildlife and reduction of soil erosion, making the combination of these two points the most comprehensive answer.

When trees are replanted in an area, they provide a crucial habitat for various species, promoting biodiversity. This restoration of habitat can be especially critical in areas that have suffered from deforestation or degradation, allowing wildlife to thrive once more, which contributes to ecosystem stability and health.

Additionally, reforestation plays a vital role in reducing soil erosion. Tree roots help to anchor the soil, preventing it from being washed away by rainfall or eroded by wind. This stabilization is key to protecting water quality, maintaining soil fertility, and reducing sedimentation in rivers and streams.

While increased carbon dioxide emissions are not a benefit associated with reforestation, as trees actually help to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, focusing on habitat restoration and soil erosion addresses two fundamental environmental and ecological challenges. Thus, recognizing both habitat restoration for wildlife and reduction of soil erosion as benefits effectively encapsulates the positive impacts of reforestation efforts.