How has farming in Central America and the Caribbean had a negative impact on the ocean.
1.A
the answer is b my bad
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How has farming in Central America and the Caribbean had a negative impact on the ocean.
Responses
A Earthquakes and mudslides push crops into rivers where the pesticides wash away and reach the ocean.Earthquakes and mudslides push crops into rivers where the pesticides wash away and reach the ocean.
B Rain washes pesticides off crops and into rivers, which eventually flow into the ocean.Rain washes pesticides off crops and into rivers, which eventually flow into the ocean.
C Most farms are located along the coast, where flooding can wash pesticides into the ocean.Most farms are located along the coast, where flooding can wash pesticides into the ocean.
D Earthquakes and mudslides push crops into rivers where the pesticides wash away and reach the ocean.
The correct answer is B: Rain washes pesticides off crops and into rivers, which eventually flow into the ocean. Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers can cause algal blooms and hypoxia, which can lead to massive fish kills and dead zones in the ocean. This type of pollution can also harm coral reefs, which are important ecosystems in the Caribbean.
"Brazil is one of the most important emerging economies in the world. It enjoys a relatively low population density with direct access to the Amazon basin, the largest reserve of freshwater and biodiversity on the planet. These strategic resources are about to be fully explored by Brazil thanks to significant investments in education, science and technology."
- from "Brazil's Bioeconomy," by Juan Fernando Villa Romero latinamericanscience.org
According to the author, which of these situations will MOST likely occur?
Farming in Central America and the Caribbean has had a negative impact on the ocean primarily through the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, deforestation, and soil erosion. Here's a breakdown of how these activities affect the ocean:
1. Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides: Farmers often use chemical fertilizers and pesticides in large quantities to increase crop yields and protect against pests. However, these chemicals can wash off the fields during heavy rain events and make their way into nearby rivers and streams. From there, they flow into the ocean, causing water pollution. The excessive nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers can lead to eutrophication, which promotes the growth of harmful algal blooms, depletes oxygen levels, and harms marine life.
2. Deforestation: Traditional farming practices in Central America and the Caribbean involve clearing vast areas of forests for agriculture. Deforestation leads to the destruction of important coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs, which serve as nurseries and habitats for various marine species. Without these protective ecosystems, coastal erosion can occur, and valuable marine biodiversity can be lost.
3. Soil Erosion: Unsustainable farming practices such as improper land management and over-tilling contribute to soil erosion. When heavy rains wash away the topsoil, it ends up in rivers and ultimately reaches the ocean. Sediment from eroded soil can smother coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine habitats, damaging or even destroying them. Additionally, the sedimentation can negatively impact the filtration and clarity of water, affecting the health of marine organisms.
To understand the broader and specific impacts of farming in Central America and the Caribbean on the ocean, you can refer to scientific studies, reports from environmental organizations, or articles from reputable sources that provide insight into the environmental consequences of agricultural practices in the region.