What environmental impact directly resulted from European colonization in the Americas?

The correct choice is the deforestation of large areas, which directly resulted from European colonization in the Americas. As European settlers arrived, they needed land for agriculture, timber for building, and resources for their expanding settlements. This led to the clearing of vast tracts of forests to make way for crops like tobacco, sugar, and cotton, as well as for livestock grazing.

Deforestation had a profound impact on the environment by disrupting local ecosystems, reducing biodiversity, and altering the landscape. The removal of trees not only changed the habitat for numerous species but also affected water cycles and soil stability, leading to issues such as erosion. The heavy exploitation of timber resources to support colonial infrastructures and the export of lumber exacerbated this environmental degradation.

While the other options mention potential outcomes like improved biodiversity, reversion to indigenous practices, or enhanced soil fertility, none of these accurately reflect the prevailing environmental consequences of European colonization. Instead, the trend was towards significant ecological disruption, primarily through deforestation, which had long-lasting impacts on the environment in the Americas.