Analyze which statement best captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth’s physical geography.(1 point)
Thawing permafrost leads to grasses and lichens pushing out shrub species.
Thawing permafrost is leading to an increase in mammal populations.
Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none.
Thawing permafrost leads to fewer beaver ponds.
Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none.
The statement that best captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth's physical geography is: Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none.
To determine which statement best captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth's physical geography, we need to examine each statement and analyze the information they provide.
Statement 1: Thawing permafrost leads to grasses and lichens pushing out shrub species.
This statement suggests that as permafrost thaws, grasses and lichens increase, leading to the displacement of shrub species. While this may be a consequence of thawing permafrost, it does not necessarily capture the broader changes to Earth's physical geography.
Statement 2: Thawing permafrost is leading to an increase in mammal populations.
This statement indicates that the thawing of permafrost is resulting in an increase in mammal populations. However, while this may be a potential consequence, it does not address how it specifically changes the physical geography of Earth.
Statement 3: Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none.
This statement suggests that the thawing of permafrost leads to the formation of lakes and swamps in areas where they did not exist previously. This implies a significant change in the physical geography of Earth, as it involves the alteration of land into bodies of water, which can have various ecological and environmental impacts. Consequently, this statement better captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth's physical geography.
Statement 4: Thawing permafrost leads to fewer beaver ponds.
This statement indicates that thawing permafrost results in a decrease in the number of beaver ponds. While this may be an outcome of changing permafrost conditions, it does not encompass the broader physical geographical changes caused by thawing permafrost.
Based on the explanations above, it can be concluded that statement 3, "Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none," best captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth's physical geography.