The correct option for the practice primarily used to maintain biodiversity in forest management is B. Selective logging. Detailed Explanation 1. Understanding Biodiversity in Forest Management: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. In forest management, maintaining biodiversity is crucial because it helps ensure ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services such as clean air, water, and habitat for wildlife. 2. Why Selective Logging is Correct: - Definition: Selective logging is a forestry practice where only certain trees are harvested while leaving the surrounding trees and vegetation intact. This method allows for the sustainable extraction of timber without completely disrupting the forest ecosystem. - Benefits to Biodiversity: - Habitat Preservation: By not removing all trees, selective logging preserves habitats for various species, allowing them to thrive and reproduce. - Genetic Diversity: It maintains a mix of tree species and ages, which is essential for genetic diversity. This diversity is crucial for the resilience of the forest against pests, diseases, and climate change. - Regeneration: The remaining trees can continue to grow and provide seeds for regeneration, ensuring that the forest can recover and maintain its ecological functions. 3. Why the Other Options are Incorrect: - A. Clear-cutting: - Definition: Clear-cutting involves removing all trees in a specific area, leaving the land bare. - Impact on Biodiversity: This practice drastically reduces biodiversity as it destroys habitats and can lead to soil erosion, loss of species, and disruption of the ecosystem. It does not support the maintenance of biodiversity.

• C. Monoculture planting:
• Definition: Monoculture planting is the agricultural practice of growing a single crop or plant species over a wide area.
• Impact on Biodiversity: This practice reduces biodiversity significantly because it eliminates the variety of species that would naturally occur in a forest. It can lead to increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, as well as soil degradation.
• D. Soil sterilization:
• Definition: Soil sterilization involves treating soil to kill all living organisms, often to eliminate pests or diseases.
• Impact on Biodiversity: This practice is detrimental to biodiversity as it destroys beneficial microorganisms and disrupts the soil ecosystem, which is vital for plant health and nutrient cycling.

Summary of Key Points

• Selective logging is the best practice for maintaining biodiversity in forest management because it allows for sustainable timber extraction while preserving habitats and genetic diversity.
• Clear-cutting and monoculture planting both lead to significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption.
• Soil sterilization harms beneficial soil organisms, further reducing biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Revision Summary

• Selective logging maintains biodiversity by preserving habitats and allowing for natural regeneration.
• Clear-cutting and monoculture planting are harmful practices that reduce biodiversity.
• Soil sterilization disrupts soil ecosystems, negatively impacting plant health and biodiversity.