One thousand years ago, less than 4 percent of habitable land was used for agriculture. Today, approximately 50 percent is used for agriculture. Which statement best explains why this large change occurred?(1 point)
Responses
As human population grows, more food is produced, causing soil quality to decline, so more land is needed to grow the same amount of crops.
As human population grows, more food is produced, causing soil quality to decline, so more land is needed to grow the same amount of crops.
The human population increased rapidly, which caused a subsequent increase in the demand for food.
The human population increased rapidly, which caused a subsequent increase in the demand for food.
Most humans live in urban areas, so rural areas are heavily developed to provide food for those densely populated urban areas.
Most humans live in urban areas, so rural areas are heavily developed to provide food for those densely populated urban areas.
Humans developed new agricultural practices which allowed the expansion of agriculture.
In a chain of consequences after a forest is cleared, what is an immediate, direct impact?(1 point)
Responses
carbon dioxide is sequestered at lower rates
carbon dioxide is sequestered at lower rates
the greenhouse effect increases
the greenhouse effect increases
habitat is destroyed
habitat is destroyed
species go extinct
species go extinct
Habitat is destroyed.
Increasing population sizes lead to increasing demand for food. Farmers use synthetic fertilizers to add necessary nutrients to the soil so crops can grow. What is the ultimate consequence of this fertilizer use?(1 point)
Responses
deoxygenated water bodies
deoxygenated water bodies
fertilizer runs off with rainwater
fertilizer runs off with rainwater
death of aquatic organisms
death of aquatic organisms
algal blooms grow rapidly
The statement that best explains why the change occurred is: The human population increased rapidly, which caused a subsequent increase in the demand for food.
The correct answer is: "The human population increased rapidly, which caused a subsequent increase in the demand for food."
Explanation: One thousand years ago, the human population was much smaller compared to today. As the population grew, there was an increased need for food to meet the growing demand. To fulfill this demand, more land had to be used for agriculture. Over time, advancements in agricultural practices, such as improved irrigation methods and better crop varieties, may have also contributed to the expansion of agriculture. However, the primary reason for the significant increase in the amount of land used for agriculture is the rapid growth of the human population and the subsequent increase in demand for food.