In the past 200 years, nearly half of the wetlands in the United States have been lost. A large portion of these losses have been caused by human activities such as draining the water from and filling in wetlands for agriculture, cattle grazing, or housing development.

Question

Scientists are looking for ways to slow and reverse the loss of wetlands. One solution is to create new channels to allow water to flood areas that used to be wetlands. Over time, natural processes and cycles would revert the land back into wetlands.

How would this solution reduce the impact that humans have had on wetlands?
A.
The environment and ecosystem would be returned to their previous states.
B.
The amount of land used for agriculture and cattle grazing would increase.
C.
An extinct species would be able to return naturally and repopulate the areas.
D.
The biodiversity of native species of plants and animals would decline over time.

Answer 1

The solution of creating new channels to allow water to flood areas that used to be wetlands would primarily have the effect of returning the environment and ecosystem to their previous states. This process would help restore the natural functions of wetlands, including water filtration, flood protection, and habitat for various species.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

A. The environment and ecosystem would be returned to their previous states.