Question

Alabama is know for its rich biodiversity, especially in it's aquatic ecosystems. However, human activities like urbanization, agriculture, and industrial development have affected these ecosystems over time.

Which of the following describes the most direct cause-and-effect relationship between a common human activity in Alabama and a negative impact on it's rivers?

(1 point)
Responses

Increased factory emissions release pollutants into the atmosphere, causing acid rain that lowers the pH of soil.
Increased factory emissions release pollutants into the atmosphere, causing acid rain that lowers the pH of soil.

Increased deforestation for housing and farming leads to soil erosion, which causes increased sedimentation in rivers and harms native species.
Increased deforestation for housing and farming leads to soil erosion, which causes increased sedimentation in rivers and harms native species.

Increased use of renewable energy sources reduces the need for fossil fuels,

Answer 1

Increased deforestation for housing and farming leads to soil erosion, which causes increased sedimentation in rivers and harms native species.

Explanation: Removing vegetation exposes soil, so rain washes it into streams. Excess sediment clouds water, smothers eggs and benthic habitat, alters flow and temperature, and reduces oxygen — directly damaging river ecosystems and native aquatic species.