Which of the following represents a significant negative impact of pest damage?

Decreased crop yield is a significant negative impact of pest damage because pests consume and destroy the plant material, which directly affects the amount of produce that can be harvested. When pests such as insects, weeds, or diseases infest crops, they can lead to a reduction in both the quantity and quality of the yield. This not only affects the profitability for farmers but can also have larger implications for food supply and agricultural sustainability.

Understanding the consequences of pest damage helps in implementing effective pest management strategies, as maintaining high crop yield is crucial for economic viability in agriculture. The other options, such as increased market value, enhanced biodiversity, and improved soil health, do not align with the concept of negative impacts caused by pests, as these represent positive effects rather than consequences of pest damage.