Match each modification to its effect on an ecosystem.

Question

Many desert regions in the West were transformed
into lush urban areas and farmlands.
Water bodies in the Owens Valley and its
surrounding areas began to dry up.
Runoff containing disease-carrying organisms
contaminated soil and caused water pollution.
construction of the Los Angeles aqueduct
arrowRight
construction of large highways
arrowRight

Answer 1

Here’s how each modification is matched to its effect on the ecosystem:

1. Many desert regions in the West were transformed into lush urban areas and farmlands.
   Effect: This transformation often leads to a change in local biodiversity, impacts soil health, and alters water cycles.

2. Water bodies in the Owens Valley and its surrounding areas began to dry up.
   Effect: This is a direct consequence of the construction of the Los Angeles aqueduct, which diverted water from these areas, leading to reduced water availability for local ecosystems.

3. Runoff containing disease-carrying organisms contaminated soil and caused water pollution.
   Effect: This can be attributed to the construction of large highways, which increases impervious surfaces leading to stormwater runoff that can carry pollutants into surrounding environments.

So the matches would be:

• Construction of the Los Angeles aqueduct → Water bodies in the Owens Valley and its surrounding areas began to dry up.
• Construction of large highways → Runoff containing disease-carrying organisms contaminated soil and caused water pollution.