The Coastal Plains and the Great Plains of Texas have distinct physical characteristics that influence the activities of their residents. The Coastal Plains, characterized by its flat terrain, fertile soil, and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, support agriculture and fishing industries, allowing residents to engage in farming and seafood harvesting. In contrast, the Great Plains, with its vast grasslands and less fertile soil, is primarily suited for ranching and agriculture focused on crops like wheat, which shapes the local economy around livestock and farming. This difference in natural resources and landforms affects population growth, as the Coastal Plains may attract more people due to diverse job opportunities related to agriculture and tourism, while the Great Plains sees a steadier population due to its focus on ranching and farming activities. Overall, the geographical features of each region define the livelihoods and lifestyles of the people living there.

Write 3-5 sentences to describe how modifications (changes) to the environment have led to both positive and negative impacts on Texans' way of life. Use the information from the passage above to discuss the positive and negative impacts that railroad construction had on the Texas environment and Texans' way of life. A complete answer for full credit (4 points) must include: Write in your own words (don't just copy word for word from the passages above, re-word the ideas). Write complete sentences. A complete sentence starts with a capital letter, has a complete idea, and punctuation at the end of the sentence. Do not write run-on sentences (run-on sentences are long sentences with multiple answers and without punctuation). Write at least one positive impact that railroad construction had on the environment and Texans. Write at least one negative impact that railroad construction had on the environment and Texans.

1 answer

Railroad construction in Texas had significant effects on both the environment and the lifestyle of its residents. One positive impact was the facilitation of trade and transportation, which allowed agricultural products from the Coastal Plains and livestock from the Great Plains to reach wider markets more efficiently. This increased economic opportunities for farmers and ranchers, enhancing their livelihoods. However, a negative consequence of railroad development was the disruption of natural landscapes and ecosystems, as tracks were laid through pristine environments. This alteration of the environment often resulted in habitat loss for wildlife and changes in local ecosystems, which could adversely affect the natural resources upon which many Texans relied.