TeXes Science Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of human impact on ecosystems?

1. Deforestation

2. Eutrophication

3. Soil erosion

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Human impact on ecosystems encompasses various activities that alter the natural environment and disrupt the balance of ecosystems. Deforestation is a significant example, as it involves the large-scale removal of trees, which leads to habitat loss for numerous species, increased carbon emissions, and altered water cycles. Eutrophication is another impact caused by human activity, typically arising from the runoff of fertilizers into water bodies, which promotes excessive growth of algae and subsequent oxygen depletion, harming aquatic life. Soil erosion, often a result of agricultural practices, urban development, or deforestation, contributes to land degradation and loss of soil fertility, affecting plant growth and ecosystem sustainability. Each of these examples illustrates the various ways in which human activities can lead to environmental changes, making them representative of the broader phenomenon of human impact on ecosystems. Thus, all of these choices collectively demonstrate the pervasive influence humans have on the environment.