1000 years ago less than 4% of habitable land was used for agriculture today approximately 50% is used for agriculture which statement best explains why this large change occurred.
The increase in the percentage of habitable land used for agriculture over the past 1000 years can be attributed to several factors, including:
1. Population growth: The world's population has grown significantly over the past millennium, leading to an increased demand for food. As a result, more land has been converted into agricultural use to meet this growing demand.
2. Technological advancements: The development of new agricultural technologies such as irrigation systems, mechanized farming equipment, and genetically modified crops has made it possible to cultivate land that was previously considered unsuitable for agriculture. These advancements have increased the efficiency and productivity of agriculture, allowing for more land to be used for farming.
3. Economic incentives: Agriculture has become a key economic sector in many countries, providing employment opportunities and contributing to economic growth. As a result, governments and businesses have invested in expanding agricultural land to increase food production and meet market demands.
4. Environmental changes: Changes in climate and natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and wildfires have affected agricultural land, leading to the need for more land to be used for farming to ensure food security.
Overall, the combination of population growth, technological advancements, economic incentives, and environmental changes has contributed to the significant increase in the percentage of habitable land used for agriculture over the past 1000 years.