In North Africa, overgrazing has contributed to which environmental challenge? (1 point) Responses deforestation deforestation desertification desertification lack of clean water lack of clean water climate change
desertification
In North Africa, overgrazing has contributed to the environmental challenge of desertification.
In North Africa, overgrazing has contributed to the environmental challenge of desertification. Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert or dry, arid land, typically due to factors like overgrazing, deforestation, and climatic variations. To determine that overgrazing has contributed to desertification in North Africa, we can follow these steps:
1. Understand the concept of desertification: Desertification refers to the transformation of arable or productive land into desert-like terrain. It typically involves the loss of vegetation, soil erosion, and a decline in agricultural productivity.
2. Identify the environmental challenge: Given the options provided, we need to determine the environmental challenge that is directly related to overgrazing.
3. Define overgrazing: Overgrazing occurs when the vegetation in a particular area is subjected to excessive grazing by livestock, which damages the land, degrades its quality and reduces its ability to regenerate.
4. Analyze the impact of overgrazing: Overgrazing can lead to the destruction of native vegetation, which plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil moisture. When excessive grazing occurs, the land becomes vulnerable to erosion, making it more prone to desertification.
5. Connect overgrazing with desertification: Considering the impact of overgrazing on the vegetation and soil quality, we can conclude that overgrazing has contributed to desertification in North Africa.
Therefore, the correct answer is: desertification.