- Roots hold soil in place
- If soil is held in place, then soil erosion can be prevented
- Hence, roots help prevent soil erosion by holding soil in place

- Roots help prevent soil erosion by holding soil in place
- Removing trees will decrease the roots in the soil
- Therefore, removing trees will increase soil erosion by decreasing the roots holding the soil in place

Therefore, removing trees will increase soil erosion by decreasing the roots holding the soil in place
When trees are removed from an area in a tropical rainforest, the area experiences an increase in soil erosion. Which statement best explains why removing the trees can lead to soil erosion?
- Roots hold soil in place 
- Removing trees will decrease the roots in the soil 
- If soil is held in place, then soil erosion can be prevented