Question

Select the statement(s) that accurately describe the impact erosion has on local and global ecosystems.

Erosion can lead to loss of local species such as fish.

Erosion can lead to increased sedimentation in locals rivers and waterways.

Erosion can lead to loss of fertile land for farming.

Erosion can lead to an increase in available land for businesses and homes.

Erosion can lead to an increase in fertile land for farm use.

Answer 1

Accurate: 1, 2, 3.

Brief explanations:
- 1 (loss of local species such as fish): True — erosion increases sediment and alters habitats and water quality, which can reduce or kill aquatic species.
- 2 (increased sedimentation in local rivers and waterways): True — eroded soil is transported into streams and rivers, causing sedimentation.
- 3 (loss of fertile land for farming): True — erosion removes topsoil, the most fertile layer, reducing agricultural productivity.

Not accurate or misleading:
- 4 (increase in available land for businesses and homes): False — erosion typically removes land rather than creating usable land for development.
- 5 (increase in fertile land for farm use): Generally false — erosion usually reduces local fertility. (In some cases eroded material is deposited elsewhere as fertile sediment, but that’s deposition downstream, not an increase in fertile land where erosion occurred.)