Question

Which of the following best explains how human activities can directly contribute to landslides?
a.
Removing plants from hillsides eliminates the root structures that anchor soil.
b.
Clearing trees from hills increases the frequency of rainstorms.
c.
Human activities tend to reduce the risk of fires.
d.
Landslides are not impacted by human activities.

Answer 1

a. Removing plants from hillsides eliminates the root structures that anchor soil.

Explanation: Vegetation roots bind and stabilize soil on slopes; removing plants or clearing trees reduces that reinforcement, making slopes more prone to failure and increasing landslide risk. Options b, c, and d are incorrect.