Which of the following best explains how the expansion of feedlots for raising cattle has affected environmental sustainability in rural areas?

Question

Group of answer choices

Composted manure has introduced valuable nutrients into previously depleted soils.

Runoff from animal waste has increased the pollution in local water supplies.

Land development has increased the available water supply for other farming practices.

Feed grains have eliminated potentially harmful invasive plant species from farmland.

Concentrating large numbers of farm animals in small spaces has decreased the release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Answer 1

The option that best explains how the expansion of feedlots for raising cattle has affected environmental sustainability in rural areas is:

Runoff from animal waste has increased the pollution in local water supplies.

This is a well-documented consequence of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), where large amounts of animal waste can overwhelm local ecosystems, leading to nutrient runoff into waterways and subsequent pollution issues.